Dhaka: Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) on Thursday presented three research papers aimed at accelerating the rollout of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems across its installations as part of broader efforts to make toll management cashless, faster, and more transparent. The presentations were held under BBA’s Human Resource Development and Capacity Building Project, with BBA Executive Director and Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf in the chair.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rouf stated that as part of building a self-reliant Bangladesh, the authority is committed to ensuring cashless and automated toll systems at all BBA installations at the earliest possible time. He emphasized that the findings from the research will serve as a roadmap for future planning and help address existing challenges. The recommendations will be reviewed and swiftly moved to field-level implementation, enabling commuters to pay tolls seamlessly without interruption.
The first research paper, titled ‘Developing an Effective Communication Protocol for Emergency and Traffic Disruptions in Bridge and Toll Operations,’ was presented by Maliha Tabassum, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). The study identified critical communication gaps in current bridge and toll operations and proposed several reforms, including appointing a dedicated communication officer at each bridge, adding a live traffic tab to BBA’s website for real-time updates, and simplifying the ETC registration process.
The second paper, ‘Adoption of Electronic Toll Management of Padma Bridge: A Study Based on the Stakeholders’ Perspective for Implementation,’ was presented by Bridges Division Joint Secretary Mahmood Ibne Kasem. This research captured the views and challenges of users and stakeholders regarding the full rollout of ETC at the Padma Bridge. It recommended establishing an integrated data-sharing system among BRTA, mobile financial service providers, and BBA, along with awareness campaigns on ETC benefits and digital literacy support for users.
The third paper, ‘Efficiency of MFS-Based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System as a Part of Toll Management in Bangladesh: Case Studies,’ was presented by Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Personal Secretary to BBA’s Executive Director. This study explored the current state and future potential of mobile financial service-based toll collection. It recommended integrating MFS wallets with the ETC system for real-time balance checking and automatic toll deductions, along with regular training for toll operators and the introduction of a multi-lane free-flow system.
Senior officials of the Bridges Division and BBA attended the event in person, while field office officers joined via Zoom.