Commercial vehicles entering Delhi will no longer need to carry two separate tags: an MCD RFID tag and a FASTag. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is preparing to integrate its toll collection system with FASTag. This major move will relieve drivers of the hassle of recharging and managing two tags and significantly simplify the process.
According to officials, this new FASTag-based system will be implemented after a new company is selected. This change follows the Supreme Court’s order allowing the imposition of an Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) on all commercial vehicles.
Why was integration with FASTag not possible earlier
Previously, there were difficulties in linking the MCD’s RFID system with FASTag, primarily due to different ECC rules. At that time, empty trucks were charged a lower fee, while vehicles carrying fruits, vegetables, and essential goods were exempted from ECC. The FASTag system was unable to handle these different rules.
Now that the ECC exemption has ended, and the fee for all commercial vehicles is the same, the MCD is now ready to integrate FASTag on all commercial vehicles. Discussions are underway between the MCD and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to implement this change. FASTag-based payment will be included in the upcoming toll collection tender.
Installation of ANPR cameras and traffic jam prevention
The MCD is also planning to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to strengthen toll collection and prevent traffic jams. Currently, many vehicles misuse the free lanes, forcing officials to stop them to collect tolls, leading to traffic jams.
The ANPR cameras will scan the number plate immediately after a vehicle passes through, and the toll amount will be deducted directly from the FASTag or MCD account without stopping the vehicle. This technical upgrade will help reduce pollution and make entry into Delhi more seamless.