Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today initiated the process of paying toll to cross the much-awaited Padma Multipurpose Bridge, soon after opening it to the traffic.
Earlier, in the Padma Bridge inaugural address, she said, “The Padma Bridge is not just a bridge, it is not just a concrete bridge. Padma Bridge is a symbol of our pride and ability.”
The Prime Minister said this bridge involves our passion, our courage, our endurance and our conviction. The conspiracy delayed the construction of the bridge by two years, but we were not disappointed. In the end, red, blue, green, and golden light flashed through the darkness. The 42 pillars are a reflection of a prosperous Bangladesh. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib said, no one can keep the Bengalis in check. We have won.
Earlier, on June 17 last, the authorities concerned conducted a test run for the toll plaza of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge as some of the public cars crossed the toll plaza at the Mawa end.
The test run continued for seven days and the authorities rehearsed the process of taking tolls and issuing slips during the period.
Although the Padma Bridge was inaugurated for the vehicular movement today, it will be opened to traffic at 6am tomorrow (Jun 26).
Prime Minister reached Mawa Point of Padma Bridge at 10 am on Saturday. Earlier, a helicopter carrying the Prime Minister started its journey from Dhaka's Tejgaon Airport at 9.40 am.
