Bridges Division decides to ban motorbikes on Padma Bridge until further notice

The Bridges Division on Sunday (June 26, 2022) decided to ban motorbikes on Padma Bridge until further notice from yesterday (June 27, 2022).

In Munshiganj, motorbikes are being stopped by traffic police – about a km ahead of Mawa toll plaza of Padma Bridge since this morning (June 28, 2022). As a workaround, motorbike riders are renting pickup trucks to get them across the Padma Bridge. Each biker must, however, pay pick-up vans Tk 1,000–2,000 for crossing the bridge.

According to Padma Bridge toll authorities, in order to carry motorbikes on pickup trucks, they must first cover the bikes before crossing the bridge. Motorbike owners and riders cannot travel in the same pickup trucks. To cross the Padma Bridge, the riders need to find another vehicle.

Bangladesh Bridge Authority's Superintending Engineer, Tofazzal Hossain, who works at Mawa Point toll plaza, confirmed this development.

According to him, a pickup truck is regarded as a cargo vehicle if the motorbike on it is covered. They can then enter the bridge after paying the toll. Being seated or standing in the back of a pickup truck is dangerous, so he advised motorcycle riders to take other vehicles.

Meanwhile, motorcycle riders complained that each pickup truck can only fit two or three bikes. One may need to pay up to Tk 2,000 for that.

The situation at the Mawa toll plaza has been normal since this morning, according to sergeant Jayanta Poddar of Mawa Traffic Police Station.

The main bridge is being patrolled by police and army men. Additionally, the district administration's mobile court is also monitoring the situation. To follow the rules, including not parking on the bridge, miking is being done. The Daily Star