The Padma Bridge, Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure project constructed at a cost of BDT 30,770 crore, has generated over BDT 3,000 crore in toll revenue during the 43 months since its inauguration. According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), this milestone was reached from the bridge’s opening on 25 June 2022 up to 19 January 2026.
All vehicles crossing the bridge are required to pay a toll, with rates varying according to the type of vehicle, including motorcycles, private cars, buses, and trucks. The authority reports that, on average, approximately 22,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, yielding a daily toll revenue of around BDT 2.5 crore. In December 2025 alone, nearly BDT 82 crore was collected.
Connecting Munshiganj and Shariatpur districts, the Padma Bridge is the longest in the country and links the southern and southwestern regions to the capital, Dhaka. It provides benefits to the residents of 21 districts in these regions. Since its opening nearly four years ago, both the number of vehicles crossing and the toll revenue have steadily increased.
The BBA highlights that the bridge has not only reduced travel time but has also created employment opportunities and contributed positively to national GDP growth. Particularly, transportation of agricultural, fishery, livestock, and industrial goods has been transformed significantly.
The bridge is equipped with an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at both ends, Mawa and Jajira, allowing vehicles to pay tolls automatically without stopping. Using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) cards, tolls are collected seamlessly, ensuring faster and smoother traffic flow.
A BBA statement expressed gratitude to vehicle owners, drivers, workers, law enforcement personnel, and maintenance teams for helping achieve this milestone.
Key Toll Data for Padma Bridge
| Indicator | Figure / Details |
|---|---|
| Total toll revenue (43 months) | BDT 3,000+ crore |
| Average daily vehicle crossings | 22,000 |
| Average daily toll revenue | BDT 2.5 crore |
| December 2025 revenue | BDT 82 crore |
| VAT contribution to government | 15% of toll revenue |
| Toll collection contractor | Korea Expressway, BDT 693 crore for 5 years |
The Padma Bridge project, initially estimated at BDT 10,162 crore in 2007, underwent multiple revisions, leading to the final cost of BDT 30,770 crore. The project was implemented using government financing. According to the agreement with the Ministry of Finance, the loan will be repaid over 35 years at a 1% interest rate in 140 quarterly installments.
From toll revenue, 15% is allocated to VAT, operational expenses for the contractor, and periodic maintenance. Remaining funds are used to service the government loan.
The BBA emphasises that the Padma Bridge has been a game-changer for regional connectivity, trade, and economic development, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s infrastructure history.
