Starting November 15, vehicle owners without a valid FASTag, or with an invalid or malfunctional tag, will be permitted to pay 1.25 times the regular toll using UPI. This adjustment, communicated through a notification issued on Friday, aims to reduce cash transactions at toll plazas, which can contribute to revenue leakage. Currently, those without a functional FASTag are required to pay double the toll fee in cash.
As of now, approximately 98% of toll collections are conducted through FASTag, yet there are instances where drivers resort to cash payments due to lack of a FASTag, an invalid tag, or insufficient balance in their FASTag wallet.
The notification also outlined that if a vehicle possessing a valid and functional FASTag, with adequate balance, is unable to pay the toll due to issues with the electronic toll collection system, the driver will be allowed to pass through the toll plaza without payment. In such cases, a zero-transaction receipt will need to be issued.
Further stipulations in the notification require toll collection agencies to provide receipts that detail the payment date and time, the total amount collected, and the vehicle classification for which the toll was paid. These measures are designed to enhance accountability among toll collection agencies and ensure the implementation of high-quality toll collection systems.
Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to install Project Information Sign Boards featuring QR codes along major highway stretches. These signboards will offer project-specific information and emergency helpline numbers, strategically placed near wayside amenities, rest areas, toll plazas, truck lay-byes, and other vital signage locations.
