Toll Plaza | The central government is all set to take a major step to make the toll collection process faster and hassle-free across the country. Special digital monthly and annual passes will soon be made available to citizens living within a 20-km radius of toll booths. Sources have informed that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is preparing to implement this new system from next month.
With this new arrangement, local motorists will not have to stop at toll booths frequently. The digital pass will be directly linked to FASTag and the driver’s identity and home address will be verified through Aadhaar number.
Currently, non-commercial vehicle owners residing in toll booths are given a pass of Rs 350 per month. But this pass has to be taken directly from the toll booth. In the new system, this pass will be completely online and can be easily obtained from the ‘Rajmarg’ portal. Toll Plaza
According to officials, there have been incidents of local citizens taking advantage of the identity of toll employees and traveling without paying the toll. But the new ‘Multi Lane Free Flow’ (MLFF) system will not have such a possibility. An e-notice will be sent immediately to the concerned vehicle owner if the toll is not paid after the vehicle passes through the toll zone.
Interestingly, the fee for the new digital pass has not yet been finalized. However, it is said that consideration is being given to keeping the rate lower than the current monthly fee of Rs 350. These pass holders will get the facility to come and go from the respective toll booths any number of times.
Meanwhile, the barrier-free toll system is also expanding rapidly in the country. MLFF system is currently operational at Chorayasi in Gujarat and Mundaka-Bakkarwala toll plaza in Delhi. In the future, this sophisticated system will be implemented at important toll booths in many states including Maharashtra. Toll Plaza
In the new system, toll charges will be collected by automatic scanning of FASTag and number plate on the vehicle. Failure to pay the fee can result in a double penalty for the vehicle owner. However, if the amount is paid within 72 hours, only the original toll will be charged.
Comments are closed.