Depending on the vehicles category, the government has fixed the toll rates on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway at a minimum of Tk80 to a maximum of Tk400, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said today (20 August). 

"The rates were fixed by dividing the vehicles into four categories," he said during a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday.

According to Quader, the toll for category-I vehicles - encompassing cars, taxis, jeeps, sports utility vehicles, microbuses with fewer than 16 seats, and light trucks weighing less than three tonnes – has been set at Tk80. Category-II - consists of medium trucks with up to six wheels - and Category-III - including trucks with more than six wheels – will have to pay Tk320 and Tk400 respectively. The toll for Category-IV vehicles covering all types of buses with 16 or more seats has been fixed at Tk160. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to inaugurate the Airport-Farmgate part of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway on 2 September.

Subsequently, the Bangabandhu Tunnel in Chattogram will be inaugurated on 28 October. The construction commencement for MRT Line-5 Northern Road in Savar is set for 16 September, followed by the inauguration of the Agargaon to Motijheel section of the Metrorail on 20 October.

The Road Transport Minister noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will grace all the aforementioned events.

Moreover, the Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate 140 bridges and 12 overpasses from the newly built road building in Tejgaon on 22 October. Additionally, a vehicle inspection centre will be inaugurated to address vehicle fitness concerns.

"On the day, a ceremony marking Road Safety Day will be held at Sarak Bhaban in the capital's Tejgaon where the PM will inaugurate a compensation programme for the victims of road accidents.

"Families of those killed in accidents will receive Tk5 lakh while those who have been maimed will be provided Tk3 lakh. Eligible parties will need to apply to avail of the facility once the rules in this regard are set," he said.

Addressing concerns about the timing of these inaugurations in relation to upcoming elections, Minister Quader dismissed any political motives, emphasising that the projects are intended to provide essential facilities for citizens and ensure infrastructural advancement.