‘Higher toll on Bangabandhu, Mukterpur bridges won’t be effective immediately’

The increased toll rate for Bangabandhu Bridge -- connecting Sirajganj and Tangail -- and Mukterpur Bridge in Munshiganj will not be effective immediately but at a later date.

The newly adjusted toll was set to be effective from 12:05am tomorrow but it is not possible due to a technical problem, Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) Executive Director Abu Bakr Siddique told The Daily Star.

The new rate will be effective within a few days, said Abu Bakr Siddique, also secretary of Bridge Division.

Earlier today, BBA issued a circular regarding the increased toll rate.

Through the November 2 circular, the government had raised the toll rates of the bridges by 10-50 percent.

At Bangabandhu Bridge, the rates for passenger vehicles like cars and buses rose by 10 to 25 percent, while it increased by 14 to 18 percent for trucks and trailers. At Mukterpur Bridge, the rates have been hiked by 25-50 percent and 20-33 percent respectively.

Moreover, the authorities have also for the first time fixed toll rates for three-axle trucks and trailers.

The November 2 circular had stated that the new rates would come into force immediately but officials said that time was needed to update necessary software and complete preparations.