The maximum speed limit has been set at 60kmph

The government has allowed motorcycles to cross Padma Bridge from Thursday, ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader confirmed the matter at Ganabhaban after attending an Ecnec meeting on Tuesday. 

Motorcycles will be able to cross the Padma Bridge through the left-side service lane. The maximum speed has been set at 60kmph.

Bike operation through Padma Bridge will be experimental, said Obaidul Quader.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved this decision to meet up the demand of the bikers," he added.

If all the rules are not followed then the decision will be revoked, the minister also warned.

On June 27 last year, The Bridge Division under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges banned the operation of motorcycles on the 6.15km Padma Bridge.  

Padma Bridge was opened for vehicular traffic on the following day after its inauguration on 25 June 2022.

A large number of motorcycles crossed the bridge on the first day. Allegations of crossing the bridge by bike in exchange of money were also raised.

Meanwhile, two people were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that night. When a video of the accident spread on social media, discussion and criticism started.

The next day, the government banned the movement of motorcycles through the bridge.