Bikes to ply again on Padma Bridge from Thursday

The government has decided to allow motorcycles on the Padma Bridge from 6am on Thursday ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The decision comes after the government had banned motorcycles on the bridge from June 27 last year until further notice, after two people died in an accident on the bridge a day before – which was also the opening day.

Motorcycles will only be able to use the bridge’s designated lane and tollbooth, and under no circumstances bikers can change the designated lane, the road transport and bridges ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

A maximum of two people, including the driver, can ride on the motorcycle and the maximum speed should be 60km per hour, it said, adding that standing or taking photographs on the bridge is not allowed.

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader told reporters, “If the rules are violated, the government may stop motorcycles from getting on the bridge again.”