New Toll Rules: Overloaded Vehicles Face Higher Charges, Mandatory FASTag from April 15
Starting April 15, a significant change in toll collection on national highways will make it impossible to siphon or under-report revenue from overloaded vehicles. Toll collecting agencies are now mandated to collect higher user charges from overloaded vehicles exclusively through FASTag, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Mandatory Reporting to Vahan Portal
In a crucial move, these agencies must record all overloaded vehicles and report this data directly to the government's Vahan portal. This provision is designed to empower enforcement agencies to impose penalties for violations of the motor vehicle law, as per the updated MV Act of 2019.
The penalties are substantial: a fine of Rs 20,000 for overloading goods vehicles, with an additional charge of Rs 2,000 per tonne for excess load. This step aims to curb overloading practices that have long plagued road safety and infrastructure.
Updated Toll Fee Structure
The road transport ministry issued a notification on Tuesday, amending the NH User Fee Rules. According to the new guidelines:
- Overloading up to 10% will be allowed without extra charges.
- Vehicles with 10-40% overload will have to pay double the normal toll fee.
- In cases where overloading exceeds 40%, the fee will be four times the standard rate.
Overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas. Importantly, no overload fee shall be levied at plazas that lack weighing facilities, ensuring fairness in implementation.
Exemptions and Project Scope
The new provisions will not apply to certain private investment projects executed prior to the commencement of these rules, unless concessionaires consent to adopting the revised regulations. This clause allows for flexibility in existing agreements while promoting broader compliance.
Expected Benefits and Impact
In an official statement, the ministry highlighted that the amendment to toll fee rules is expected to:
- Improve compliance with vehicle weight regulations.
- Reduce road damage caused by overloaded vehicles, extending the lifespan of national highways.
- Promote safer and more efficient movement of goods across the country.
By integrating FASTag and the Vahan portal, this initiative aims to create a seamless, digital system that enhances enforcement and deters overloading, ultimately contributing to better road safety and infrastructure management.
