Big news for FASTag user’s. A petition was recently submitted to the Bombay High Court challenging the compulsory use of FASTag and the practice of charging double tolls for vehicles without it. However, the court has sided with the government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). This ruling is based on the National Highway Fee (Determination and Collection) Rules from 2008. Let’s dive into the details of this decision.
Legal Standing of FASTag and Double Toll Charges
The public interest litigation (PIL) brought forth by a resident of Maharashtra argued that imposing double tolls on non-FASTag vehicles is unlawful. The petitioner also contended that converting cash lanes entirely into FASTag lanes breaches legal regulations.
Nonetheless, the Bombay High Court rejected the petition, affirming that the toll collection policy is entirely legitimate under the 2008 regulations. The court explained that non-FASTag vehicles are directed to a separate lane on the left, where they can pay the toll in cash, albeit at double the standard rate. This is not considered a penalty, but rather an official toll charge.
FASTag Will Remain Mandatory, Says High Court
In its ruling, the Bombay High Court noted that the FASTag system wasn’t introduced overnight. It was rolled out gradually across the country to give people ample time to adapt. FASTag was first launched in 2014 and implemented in phases nationwide. By 2017, the government revised the Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989, making it mandatory for M and N category vehicles. Currently, FASTag is required for all new cars.
Plans for a GPS-Based Tolling System
In recent years, FASTag has significantly simplified highway travel, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping, with toll fees deducted automatically. Now, the government is gearing up to introduce an even more advanced system beyond FASTag. A GPS-based tolling system (GNSS) is set to be implemented soon.
What is GNSS and how does it work?
GNSS, or Global Navigation Satellite System, is a satellite-based system for collecting tolls. Unlike FASTag, GNSS won’t have fixed toll plazas. Instead, it will monitor a vehicle’s location to determine how far it has traveled on the highway. Tolls will be charged based on the distance covered rather than a set fee. The main benefit of GNSS is that drivers will only pay for the actual distance they travel on the highway.
When will GNSS be rolled out?
The government has stated that the GNSS system will be introduced in phases. At first, a combination of FASTag and GNSS will be used. Over time, FASTag will be phased out completely, and GNSS will take over. This new system could be launched in the coming months.