Smart weighing scales launched at Padma Bridge

The six advanced digital weighing machines or weighbridges, installed at both ends of the Padma Bridge, began operations on Sunday.

Every cargo vehicle will now have to go through an electric sensor-controlled scaling system before crossing the bridge, confirmed Syed Rajab Ali, executive engineer (connecting roads) of the Padma Bridge project.

"The measure will ensure regulated movement of cargo vehicles over the bridge," he told The Business Standard.

Although there is a ban on transporting goods weighing more than 27 tonnes due to the risk of affecting the durability of the bridge, no system was in place earlier to ensure this.

A total of six measuring devices, three each at the Jajira and Mawa ends of Padma Bridge, have been installed.

A few drivers, however, were caught unawares despite media reports that the weighbridge would be inaugurated.

Idris Mia, a truck driver, said he did know the weighscales would start operations today, so he was turning back.

He, however, said it was better not to carry goods beyond capacity, so he considered the situation a win-win.

Nurul Amin Madbar, the owner of Shariatpur's rod cement trader Amin Traders, said earlier he used to bring around 30-35 tonnes of rod and cement from Dhaka. 

"Now that the machine has been installed, more than 27 tonnes won't be allowed. The cost of transportation will increase a little, but the rules of the government must be followed. And the bridge has been built for us. It is our duty to look after it," he said.

Every day, around 14,764 vehicles pass through the Padma Bridge, generating a hefty toll worth over Tk2 crores.

According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority sources, contractor Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) installed the mechanical weight scales at the cost of Tk692 crore.

The KEC has also been appointed to oversee the toll collection and maintenance of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga expressway.

Earlier, another contractor, Property Development Limited, completed an eight-month-long two-way scale infrastructure project at the cost of Tk53 crore.

Goods vehicles of prescribed weight can cross the bridge through the green zone and pay toll at two specified booths in the toll plaza.

On the other hand, heavy vehicles go through the red zone to the stockyard. They can wait in the yard for a maximum of 72 hours. The retention period for excess goods is up to seven days.

Besides, two driver sheds and eight guard posts have been constructed at both ends of the bridge.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the bridge on 25 June 2022.