Jamuna Bridge was given to CRBC, saving 15 crore rupees

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has been given the responsibility of toll collection and maintenance of Yamuna bridge at Tangail. The company started working on the bridge from 12:01 AM on Saturday (August 31).

In this, CRBC has got the responsibility as the operator of toll collection and maintenance work of Yamuna Bridge as the bidder with a reduction of about Tk 15 crore from the estimated price. The authorities said that they will perform this duty by their own manpower for the next 5 years.

According to the sources of Bangladesh Bridge Authority, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) as the lowest bidder of the estimated amount of Tk 74 crore 75 lakh 29 thousand 621.15 was given the work order at the price of Tk 59 crore 63 lakh 96 thousand 504.14. As a result, the government is saving 20.21% of the estimated price, i.e. 15 crore 11 lakh 33 thousand 117 taka. In this, the company will manage the toll collection and operation of the bridge for the next 5 years by their own manpower.

Mohammad Tofazzal Hossain, supervising engineer of Jamuna Bridge of Bangladesh Bridge Authority, said that there is no opportunity to reduce the toll even though the 15 crore is affordable. Government fixed toll should be collected. Toll will be collected through digital software. No traffic congestion is caused by tolls. Sometimes there is a little problem due to extra cars coming to the toll. It doesn't last long.

Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Altaf Hossain Sekh said that the new company has started collecting toll from 12 midnight after receiving the work order. They have concluded a contract with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority for 5 years at a saving of about 15 crore taka from the estimated price. The management of this company and the software through which the toll will be collected are expected to be able to pass the vehicle in a short period of time. There will be provision for online tolling on every line. If the user registers online in the toll collection system then they can pay the toll online at the toll crossing. The money will be deposited directly in the toll's bank account. There will be no traffic jam at the toll. On the one hand, the government has saved 15 crore rupees. On the other hand, people will also be able to cross the toll plaza with speed in less time.

Incidentally, Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) was in charge of toll collection and maintenance of Yamuna Bridge from 2018 till August 2024. After 6 long years, the government gave responsibility to a new contractor.