India Introduces New Highway Toll Payment Rules with 3-Day Grace Period
Highway users across India who fail to pay toll charges on National Highways due to issues such as a faulty or blacklisted FASTag, insufficient balance, or the absence of a tag will now have a three-day grace period to make the payment after receiving an electronic notice. This new regulation aims to streamline toll collection as the country moves towards barrier-less systems.
Consequences of Non-Payment and Implementation Details
If the payment is not made within the three-day window, users will face double the original toll amount. Additionally, all vehicle registration certificate-related services, including change of ownership, transfer, and renewal, will be suspended until the dues are cleared. A senior official from the road transport ministry stated that detailed procedures for issuing e-notices for non-payment of toll charges will be notified in the coming days.
The notification will also outline the process for paying pending toll charges and challenging them if necessary. This step is crucial as India prepares to implement multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling, which allows vehicles to pass seamlessly without stopping at barriers. The first MLFF tolling system is scheduled to roll out at Choryasi in Gujarat.
Expansion of MLFF Tolling and Incentives for Timely Payment
So far, the National Highways Authority of India's electronic tolling entity, IHMCL, has bid out MLFF for 16 toll plazas. These include locations such as Gharaunda in Haryana, Mundka in Delhi, and Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur, and Daulatpura in Rajasthan, where the new system will become operational soon. The government plans to accelerate implementation by bidding out MLFF projects in bundles.
An official explained that the e-notice provision is key to the success of MLFF, as it ensures compliance in a system where vehicles are not physically stopped. The e-notice will mention the double charge, but if vehicle owners pay within three days, they will receive a 50% discount, effectively paying only the exact toll amount. This incentive is designed to encourage prompt payment and reduce administrative burdens.
Background and Additional Measures
Earlier, the ministry amended the National Highway Fee Rules to specify that failure to clear unpaid toll dues would result in the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for transferring ownership or moving a vehicle from one state to another. This measure reinforces the importance of timely toll payments for vehicle-related transactions.
Women Staff Deployment at Toll Plazas
In a related development, the NHAI has deployed over 5,100 female staff during day shifts at more than 1,140 toll plazas across the country. This exclusive deployment of women in frontline operational roles is expected to improve the user experience by fostering an efficient and user-friendly environment for commuters. It is also anticipated to reduce the likelihood of disputes at toll booths on National Highway fee plazas. The decision was made after discussions with stakeholders, including fee plaza operators and industry associations, highlighting a commitment to enhancing service quality and safety on India's highways.
