Eid rush pushes Jamuna Bridge toll collection to nearly Tk 4cr

A massive surge in Eid holiday travel pushed vehicle movement on the Jamuna Bridge past 56,000 in the last 24 hours, generating nearly Tk 4 crore in toll revenue.

The information was confirmed on Wednesday morning (May 27) by Syed Riaz Uddin, executive engineer of the Jamuna Bridge authorities.

According to him, a total of 56,239 vehicles crossed the bridge in the 24-hour period ending at midnight on Tuesday (May 26). During this time, toll collection reached Tk 3 crore 75 lakh 98 thousand 600.

Of the total, 36,426 northbound vehicles crossed through the eastern toll plaza, generating Tk 2 crore 17 lakh 19 thousand 450 in tolls. Meanwhile, 19,813 vehicles used the western toll plaza, contributing Tk 1 crore 58 lakh 79 thousand 150.

To handle the heavy Eid traffic, authorities have opened four additional toll booths alongside the regular 14 booths, he added.

While traffic congestion was reported on the eastern side of the bridge due to the increased pressure of outbound vehicles, movement remained largely normal on the western end.

Besides public transport, thousands of Eid travellers are also heading home on trucks, pickup vans and motorcycles as the holiday rush intensifies across the country.