The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) today discontinued cash discounts for toll users. However, it has further allowed discounts for users who make return journeys within 24 hours. Significantly, all exemptions will be provided only if the vehicle carries a valid functional FASTag.
“Provided further that the fee payable towards discounts as under sub-rules (2), (3) and (3A) of rule 9, shall be paid through pre-paid instruments, smart card or through FASTag or on board unit (transponder) or any other such device,” a gazette notification published today said.
As per the government notification these rules will be called the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection), Amendment Rules, 2020.
The government today made these changes in under Section 9 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), the notification said.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) rolled out program for Electronic Toll Collection on Toll Plazas on National Highways to be called FASTag.
FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it.
It is affixed on the windscreen of your vehicle and enables you to drive through toll plazas. FASTag has a validity of 5 years and after purchasing it, you only need to recharge/ top up the FASTag as per your requirement.
FASTag has been launched to offers near non-stop movement of vehicles through toll plazas along with the convenience of cashless payment of toll fee.
