The government has issued a new rule regarding the fastag. This rule is especially for Mumbai, which will be applicable to all toll plazas from 1 April 2025. Under this new rule, Fastag has been made mandatory in Mumbai. It is being claimed that the help of this technology will help improve traffic. The Maharashtra State Road Vikas Mahamandal (MSRDC) has implemented the Fastag only system at all toll plazas.
Digital payment facility will be easy
It aims to make toll payments easier and reduce long queues at toll booths. It is believed that this digital toll system will make the payment process fast and reduce the delay in manual toll collection.
Toll will be doubled if there is no fastag
According to the report, those who do not have fastag will have to give double toll. Then, whether they pay cash, credit or debit card or UPI. Meaning every vehicle should have a fastag.
This rule has been implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which is promoting digital payment across the country and slowly removing the manual toll. The government has already issued its notification. School bus, light motor vehicle and state transport bus are exempted from Fastag at 5 main points in Mumbai.
Emphasis on the need for technology
This policy was challenged in the Bombay High Court over the difficulties of change in digital payment. Some people believed that it is unfair to those who are not digital literate. But the court retained it and said that it does not violate the rights of the vehicle owners. Rejecting a PIL, the court emphasized the need to adopt technology, which is the demand for today.
Transparency in toll collection
This decision gives a strong message towards digital change. This step of Fastag will not only reduce traffic jams, but will also reduce fuel expenses and will promote transparency in toll collections. This system can be a challenge for those who are not yet aware of digital payment.
