DHAKA — A non-stop electronic toll collection (ETC) system has been launched in a live pilot phase at Padma Bridge. From 2 p.m. Monday, vehicles using designated lanes have been paying tolls automatically and crossing the bridge without stopping.
The Road Transport and Bridges Ministry announced the launch in a notice Sunday afternoon.
Users interested in the ETC system must first register and recharge their vehicle through the “D-Toll” option in Trust Bank Limited’s Tap app, the ministry said. After that, drivers will need to complete a one-time RFID tag verification and registration at the RFID booth at Padma Bridge.
Abu Sayad Niloy, executive engineer of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project, said toll collection through the ETC system will continue in live pilot mode for now. All types of vehicles will be allowed to use it, he said. The pilot collection is being used to check for any technical problems, he said, adding that he hoped toll collection could be fully shifted to ETC within the next 15 days.
Once the process is complete, drivers will be able to use the ETC lanes at a minimum speed of 30 kilometers per hour, with tolls automatically deducted from their accounts, the ministry said. In addition to Tap, other financial apps are expected to be integrated with the service in the future. The Information and Communication Technology Division’s a2i is working to add Tap and other financial apps to the system, the ministry said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report