Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
After five months of trial operation, authorities have decided to start collecting tolls from Chattogram's first elevated expressway from January next year.
Initially, tolls will be collected through four booths at the Patenga-end of the expressway. After other ramps are constructed, the project implementing agency, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), plans to collect tolls through a total of 10 booths by adding a few more points.
CDA Chairman Engineer Md Nurul Karim told The Business Standard that all preparations for toll collection have been completed.
"Today [17 December], the Ministry of Housing and Public Works said toll collection will start from 1 January. Motorbikes will be prohibited due to the risk of accidents. Perhaps, when other ramps are opened in the future, then the issue of motorcycles will be considered," he said.
The ministry approved the toll rates in February this year. After the mass uprising, a new board was formed and the toll rates were reviewed. A proposal was sent to the ministry, reducing the toll rates by Tk20 to Tk50 depending on the vehicle and the pick-up and drop-off point.
Although the ministry approved the new proposed toll rate on 27 November, the movement of two-wheelers, motorbikes and trailers was banned.
At present, the toll for CNG auto-rickshaws (three-wheelers) is Tk20-30, cars Tk50-80, jeeps Tk70-100, microbuses Tk90-100, pickup trucks Tk130-150, mini buses Tk180-200, buses Tk250-280, trucks (three wheels) Tk180-200, trucks (six wheels) Tk300, covered vans Tk450.
