Staff Correspondent:

In the 24-hour period from 12:00 am Friday (April 4) to 12:00 am Saturday (April 5), approximately 42,559 vehicles crossed the Padma Bridge, resulting in a toll collection of Tk 4,11,07,550.

Of these, 29,164 vehicles used the Janjira end, contributing Tk 2,37,61,650, while 13,395 vehicles crossed via the Mawa end, generating Tk 1,73,45,900 in tolls.

Executive Engineer of Padma Bridge Sight Office Abu Sayad told the media that there was an increased pressure of Dhaka-bound traffic since on Saturday morning. The toll collection figures suggest that people feel more comfortable traveling to Dhaka via the Padma Bridge.

The People are now returning to work after spending a relaxing time with their loved ones during Eid-ul-Fitr. Busy people have started returning to all cities of the country, including the capital Dhaka. So at the end of the Eid holiday without any kind of suffering Passengers were seen returning to Dhaka in public transport, private cars and motorcycles.

During a visit on Sunday (April 6), Panchchar intersection was seen crowded with people. There has been a rush of passengers at this intersection since on Sunday morning, People are returning to Dhaka in various vehicles including passenger buses. There was no traffic jam at Padma Bridge toll plaza.

Passengers and drivers said that this time they were able to return to Dhaka after finishing Eid without suffering and trouble. Padma Bridge has radically changed the communication of their lives.

Meanwhile, people returning to work were seen standing at various points of the expressway waiting for vehicles. They are suffering due to lack of required number of vehicles. Passengers also complained about the extra fare. They said that the buses collected extra money by talking about Eid gifts.

Rafiqul Islam, a passenger from Dhaka who was waiting for a bus at the Panchchar bus stand on the expressway, said that he is not getting a bus. Even if he gets one, he is being asked for an additional fare. He complained that the fare of 200 taka is being asked for 300 taka.

Shibchar Highway police station officer-in-charge (OC) Md. Zahirul Islam said that common people are returning to the capital after the Eid holiday. Traffic is normal on the expressway even if the car is under pressure. A team of Highway Police regularly patrols the highway for overall safety. Highway police are active at various places on the expressway to prevent over speeding of vehicles.