The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to declare all lanes at toll plazas on national highways across the country as dedicated FASTag lanes from December 1, 2019.
According to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, FASTag lanes are reserved exclusively for vehicles using FASTag for electronic toll payments. The rules also provide that non-FASTag users passing through FASTag lanes will be charged double the applicable toll fee.
In a communication sent to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the ministry directed strict enforcement of the fee collection rules at all toll plazas on national highways.
However, one hybrid lane will continue to operate at every toll plaza to facilitate oversized or over-dimensional vehicles. This lane will accept both FASTag and other payment modes and is expected to be converted into a FASTag-only lane within a specified timeframe.
The decision aims to encourage digital payment of toll fees and ensure seamless movement of vehicles through toll plazas, thereby reducing traffic congestion and long queues.
FASTag is an RFID-based electronic toll collection system affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen. It enables automatic deduction of toll charges directly from a linked prepaid or savings account, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions.
The ministry observed that non-FASTag users were frequently entering FASTag lanes and making cash payments, leading to congestion and slowing down traffic movement. This, according to the ministry, was affecting the intended efficiency and growth of electronic toll collection systems across the country.
To ensure smooth implementation of the initiative, the ministry instructed NHAI to assess nationwide FASTag requirements and ensure adequate availability of tags before the implementation deadline.
