Highway Users Without FASTags Get A 15-Day Breather

• Government deadline for FASTag-only highway usage has been pushed from December 1 to 15.
• All toll lanes across the National Highway network to become FASTag-only from December 15.
• A single hybrid lane will be available for non-FASTag highway users.
• Non-FASTag users entering FASTag-only lanes will be charged double the toll.

The Central Government had earlier announced that starting December 1, toll collection on all National Highways would be RFID-enabled. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had deployed officers to execute the process at all toll collection booths. You can read our story about the move here. As Indian motorists scramble to get FASTags fitted to their vehicles, they get a fortnight’s breather. According to a new report, senior officials have announced that the deadline has now been extended to December 15 after which all lanes will be dedicated for electronic toll collection (ETC). Just one hybrid lane will be accessible to non-FASTag users. In line with the National Highway Fee Rules of 2008, non-FASTag users will be penalised with double the toll. 

FASTag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. It allows for the toll to be collected while passing through a toll plaza, eliminating the need to stop the vehicle. The government believes it will allow for seamless movement on National Highways making congestion at toll plazas a thing of the past. That is, unless a small number of motorists fail to get a FASTag and crowd the single hybrid lane. If you haven’t got a FASTag yet, or are simply curious about the RFID technology, read our how-to story here. 

Our source reports that over 450 toll plazas throughout the country are FASTag-enabled as of now. After the deadline, all plazas will be equipped with radio frequency sensors. The government’s move to FASTag-only toll collection is a congestion-free utopia in theory. However, in a country where a majority of all transactions are cash-based, one hybrid lane is inadequate. 

Toll collection on state highways remains unchanged. More people deterred from using the National Highway network will possibly increase congestion on state highways and roads. For now, at least one long queue is likely to be a feature at toll plazas. Hence, your best bet is to get your own FASTag and ensure you keep tabs on its balance.

Source: The Economic Times