The Bangladesh Bridge Authority has recommended introducing a cashless, fast, and transparent toll collection system across all bridges under its jurisdiction. The proposals were presented on Thursday at the authority’s conference room under the ‘Human Resource Development and Capacity Building’ project, where three research papers were discussed. The studies focused on implementing a full electronic toll collection (ETC) system at the Padma Bridge, developing emergency communication protocols, and exploring toll payment through mobile banking.

Key recommendations include appointing a dedicated communication officer for each bridge, adding a live traffic tab to the authority’s website, reducing ETC registration steps from five to two, and enabling online registration. The research also suggested establishing a data-sharing system among BRTA, mobile financial services, and the Bridge Authority, as well as ensuring RFID reader accuracy and operator training. Another study proposed integrating mobile banking wallets with the ETC system for real-time balance checks and payments.

Bridge Secretary Abdur Rouf stated that the government is committed to implementing a fully cashless and automated toll system nationwide as part of building a self-reliant Bangladesh. The recommendations will be reviewed and implemented soon.