The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) held a session on 7th May-2026 to present research aimed at accelerating the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. The initiative focuses on making tolling cashless, transparent, and efficient across BBA infrastructures which is led by Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Bridges Division Secretary. (From the BBA desk Press Release)
The study proposed several structural reforms to address existing communication gaps in handling emergencies and traffic disruptions in bridge and toll operations. The recommendations include:
(a) Appointment of a dedicated communication officer at each bridge.
(b) Introduction of a live traffic tab on the BBA website so users can obtain updates on traffic conditions caused by fog or accidents.
(c) Reduction of the current five-step ETC registration process to only two steps. Registration facilities should be introduced at toll plazas along with online registration to eliminate the need for users to physically visit Mawa or designated offices.
(d) A dedicated tab on the BBA website displaying real-time traffic conditions caused by fog, accidents, or congestion.
The 2nd research titled “Adoption of Electronic Toll Management of Padma Bridge have been conducted and the research emphasized the need for public awareness and simplification of technology usage for wider adoption of ETC and made the following recommendations:
(a) Development of an integrated data-sharing system among BRTA, mobile financial service providers, and BBA for automatic verification of vehicle information and payments.
(b) Extensive awareness campaigns on the benefits of ETC and assistance in enhancing users’ digital literacy and technical skills.
(c) Awareness training and campaigns for grassroots-level drivers and transport owners regarding ETC and digital payment facilities and procedures.
(d) Ensuring the accuracy of RFID readers and sensors at toll plazas to prevent traffic congestion caused by technical errors. The last research titled “Efficiency of MFS (Mobile Financial Service) Based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System as a Part of Toll Management in Bangladesh” the study focused on making toll collection through mobile banking more effective and modern with the following recommendations:
(a) Direct integration between MFS wallets and the ETC system to ensure real-time balance checks, automatic toll payments, and instant user notifications when balances run low.
(b) Regular training for toll operators and relevant personnel on operating the new digital system.
(c) Introduction of a long-term “Multi-Lane Free Flow” system, under which vehicles would not need to stop at toll plazas; tolls would instead be collected automatically through sensors while vehicles remain in motion.
The Bridges Secretary, Mohammad Abdur Rouf stated in his speech that, as part of the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of building a self-reliant Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority is committed to ensuring cashless and automated toll systems at all its establishments in the shortest possible time. He added that the findings of these studies would serve as important guidelines for future planning and addressing existing challenges.
He also stated that the recommendations will soon be reviewed and implemented at the field level to ensure smooth and uninterrupted toll payment experiences for the public.
