Published on 12:00 AM, April 19, 2023

Padma Bridge: Motorbikes to be allowed to ply it from tomorrow

A BIWTC vessel ferries motorcycles to Majhikandhi, Shariatpur from Munshiganj’s Shimulia. The BIWTC launched the Eid service yesterday as plying of motorcycles on the Padma Bridge remained suspended. However, the road transport minister said bikes will be allowed to temporarily use the bridge from 6:00am tomorrow. Photo: Collected
Staff Correspondent

Motorcycles will temporarily be allowed to use the Padma Bridge, the country's longest bridge, from 6:00am tomorrow.

The decision came following the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a top official of Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) told The Daily Star yesterday.

BBA also issued a circular mentioning six conditions for bikers and said "the facility will be withdrawn if discipline is not maintained".

Bikers have to follow the speed limit of 60km per hour and use a specific lane and toll booth. They won't be allowed to overtake or change lanes, it said. Bikers and pillion passengers have to use all safety gear, including helmet.

They won't be able to stop on the bridge and take photos and not more than two people would be permitted on a bike, it added.

BBA banned motorcycles on the Padma Bridge on June 27 last year, a day after the 6.15km bridge was opened.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) yesterday started ferry services on Shimulia-Mangalmajhi route for motorcycles to cross the Padma ahead of Eid.

Its Chairman SM Ferdous Alam visited Shimulia ferry terminal yesterday morning to inspect motorcyclists crossing on ferries "Kalmillata" and "Kunjalata".

BIWTC Director (commerce) SM Ashiquzzaman, General Manager (commerce) Sheikh Md Nasim and General Manager (marine) Md Hasimur Rahman Chowdhury were present on the occasion.

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