Nagad joins Padma Bridge’s electronic toll collection system

Nagad, a mobile financial service of Bangladesh Post Office, has been entrusted with the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) on the Padma Bridge, facilitating seamless vehicle movement across the bridge.

This marks the end of the conventional cash-based toll collection method. 

Nagad signed an agreement with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority on Wednesday to formalise this initiative. Under this agreement, electronic toll collection through Nagad will start very soon using RFID technology. Thus, vehicles will pass through toll plazas without stopping, and payments will be made automatically, saving travel time and significantly reducing commuter hassle.

The signing ceremony took place in the conference room of Shetu Bhaban in the capital. Nurul Hoq, director (Finance and Accounts) and joint secretary of Bangladesh Bridge Authority, and Md. Muiz Tasnim Taqui, chief strategy officer of Nagad, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf, secretary of the Bridges Division and executive director of Bangladesh Bridge Authority; Altaf Hossain Sheikh, director (Administration) of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority; Md. Motasem Billah, administrator of Nagad, and other high officials were also present at the event. Simultaneously, the Bridges Division signed agreements with three different financial institutions.
On the occasion, Mohammad Abdur Rouf, secretary of the Bridges Division and executive director of Bangladesh Bridge Authority, said, "We are moving towards an automated toll collection system on Padma Bridge to ensure hassle-free services for the public. Our target is to make it easier for travellers to cross the bridge, especially during the upcoming Eid al-Adha. We're collaborating with Nagad and a few other financial institutions to introduce this system."

Md Motasem Billah, administrator of Nagad, appointed by Bangladesh Bank, said, "We are upgrading our technology to support a fully digital transaction experience. We are also offering incentives to customers to encourage adoption. With little government support, this service can become widely popular. Once implemented, [electronic toll collection] will eliminate unnecessary congestion at toll plazas and make the payment process modern and seamless."
Md Muiz Tasnim Taqui, chief strategy officer of Nagad, said, "Today's agreement marks a significant milestone in implementing digital transactions in Bangladesh. While we, the operators, are introducing the services, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) must play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative."

Nagad has become one of the country's top mobile financial services thanks to its convenient services, low transaction costs, and commitment to transparency and customer trust.