Toll Plaza Update: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is planning to bring a new toll policy to the country. Under this revolutionary policy, drivers will now have to pay toll tax only for the number of kilometers they travel.
That is, the new toll policy will levy a kilometer-based tax! Although the government has not yet made any official announcement about it, it is being discussed strongly in media reports. So let’s know in detail what this kilometer-based toll policy is and how it will make your journey more convenient and economical.
What is a kilometer-based toll policy
According to reports, under this new policy, FASTags and advanced cameras (which will have automatic number plate recognition – ANPR technology) will be used at every toll booth. The toll will be calculated directly from the bank account of the vehicle owner. The government is in the process of implementing advanced SIM based on ANPR technology so that the new toll policy can be implemented easily. The main objective of this policy is to provide great relief to the people traveling on expressways and national highways across the country.
Currently, as per the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008, users have to pay a fixed toll fee based on the length of the road project, which is usually 60 km, even if they do not travel that much distance. If this new policy is implemented, it will not only make travel easier but will also prove to be quite economical.
How will this system work
According to the report, the cameras installed at the toll booth will record the number plate of the vehicle and the toll amount will be automatically deducted from the bank accounts linked to the Fastag. Most importantly, the toll tax will be calculated based on the number of kilometers travelled by the vehicle. That is, the user will have to pay a toll only for the distance he has travelled.
Freedom from long lines at toll plazas
Reports also suggest that the new toll policy can also make toll booths barrier-free. This will make travel even more convenient. If this happens, the long queues at toll booths on highways and expressways across the country will be eliminated. This will not only save time but is also expected to provide relief from disputed situations, which are often seen at toll plazas.
FASTag annual pass is also under consideration
Some time ago it was also reported that the Government of India is also considering an annual pass for FASTag. Under this proposal, drivers will have to pay only once and they will be able to travel throughout the year without any hassle. It was also told in this presentation that users may have to pay ₹ 3,000 for this annual pass. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the FASTag pass yet.