The long-cherished Padma bridge is set to cost more after the bridges division sought more funds and time to complete the structure even though it is open to the public since June last year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that the cost of construction of the Padma Bridge will be realised from toll collections within next 18 to 20 years, much earlier than anticipated previously.

The government expects to recover Padma Bridge’s construction cost in the next 35 years, officials said today.