The surge in homebound travel during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays has driven Bangladesh’s Chief bridge infrastructure to unprecedented levels of traffic and toll revenue, marking a significant milestone for the country’s transport network. Under the supervision of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, both the Padma Bridge and the Jamuna Bridge recorded their highest-ever figures for vehicle crossings and toll collection.
According to official data, the carefully coordinated measures undertaken ahead of Eid—ranging from traffic management to enhanced toll collection systems—played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for millions of travellers. These preparations included the deployment of additional personnel, improved lane management at toll plazas, and the use of digital tolling mechanisms to minimise congestion.
During the first three days of peak Eid travel, from 17 to 19 March 2026, the Padma Bridge handled a total of 109,025 vehicles. This represents a notable increase from 100,802 vehicles recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite this rise in traffic volume, toll revenue showed a slight variation. The bridge generated BDT 120.588 million in tolls over the three days, compared with BDT 120.0784 million the previous year, reflecting a marginal increase overall.
Meanwhile, the Jamuna Bridge achieved a new single-day record on 18 March 2026, when 51,384 vehicles crossed the bridge—surpassing the previous peak of 48,368 vehicles recorded in 2025. Toll collection also reached a new high, with BDT 35.1826 million collected in a single day, exceeding the earlier record of BDT 34.62785 million.
The comparative figures are summarised below:
| Indicator | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Bridge vehicle crossings (3 days) | 109,025 | 100,802 |
| Padma Bridge toll revenue (3 days) | BDT 120,588,000 | BDT 120,078,400 |
| Jamuna Bridge single-day crossings | 51,384 | 48,368 |
| Jamuna Bridge single-day toll revenue | BDT 35,182,600 | BDT 34,627,850 |
What is particularly noteworthy is that, despite the increased vehicular pressure compared to the previous year, there were no reports of major accidents or prolonged traffic congestion. This outcome highlights the growing efficiency of Bangladesh’s road infrastructure management and the operational competence of the authorities involved.
Transport analysts suggest that the rise in traffic volume reflects broader socio-economic trends, including increased mobility, higher vehicle ownership, and the central role of these bridges in connecting the capital Dhaka with southern and northern regions. The Padma Bridge, in particular, has significantly reduced travel time and enhanced connectivity, contributing to its growing usage during peak travel seasons.
Overall, the record-breaking performance of both bridges during Eid underscores not only the scale of seasonal travel demand but also the country’s improving capacity to manage it effectively.