Over 5.67 million vehicles have used Padma Bridge since its inauguration, Obaidul Quader says

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said the Padma Bridge has overshadowed the BNP's movement of the last 14 years.

“The Padma Bridge, a symbol of Bangladesh's capability, has expanded the horizon of the country's economic potential,” Quader, also general secretary of the ruling Awami League, told a press briefing at Setu Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday morning, marking the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of the bridge.

The minister said Tk798.23 crore had been collected in tolls from the Padma Multipurpose Bridge in the one year since its inauguration.

“Since its inauguration, 5,675,000 vehicles have used the bridge till noon today,” he said. “On an average, 15,500 vehicles use the bridge daily.” 

Calling the bridge a “national treasure,” Quader called on everyone to protect it.

He said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority would have to repay the loan taken out for the bridge in 35 years.

“Around Tk632.94 crore in loans have already been repaid in four instalments,” Quader said.