Under the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has given permission for plying of motorcycle on the Padma Bridge from today (Thursday) Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader says. However, the government has given conditional permission to motorcyclists to cross the Padma Bridge ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, warning that if the conditions are not met, the movement of motorcycles on the bridge will be stopped again.
The maximum speed for motorcycle movement on the Padma Bridge has been fixed at 60 kilometres. Padma Bridge, the country's largest bridge, was inaugurated on June 25 last year and it was opened for traffic the next day. However, a number of bike accidents and casualties were reported on the first day. As soon as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated country’s longest bridge, motorcyclists thronged the bridge on the first day, creating traffic chaos on the approach roads. At least two bikers died in accidents on the bridge on the same day, prompting the government to ban motorbikes from the bridge on Jun 27 last year.
Bikersmust ply
the Padma Bridge
following
the given conditions
Motorcyclists can ply the Padma Bridge by paying the prescribed toll and must use the designated toll booth. They will be able to cross the Padma Bridge through the left-side service lane. Besides, no overtaking is allowed. Both driver and rider are required to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet. Standing or taking photos on the bridge is not permitted under any circumstances. One motorbike can accommodate a maximum of two riders, including the driver. Necessary security measures should be taken immediately so that motorcyclists can cross the bridge safely.
Motorcycles have become the biggest killers on roads and highways across the country. The country is witnessing fatal motorcycle mishaps and many people mostly young are dying every day on roads and highways.
Due to rapid increase of motorbike accidents on highways and city streets during the last few years, the government should formulate a policy to control motorcycle movement in the country.
Bikers must ply the Padma Bridge following the given conditions. The matter is now whether the bridges, roads and highways are safe or not for motorcycles, whether the vehicles are abiding by traffic rules or not, whether two-wheeler vehicles have fitness or not and whether the bikers are eligible or not. If the authorities cannot bring motorcycle plying on Padma Bridge alongside roads and highways under control, the situation will take a serious turn in coming days.
