Need your urgent attention, Mumbaikars!
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has rolled out a game-changing rule that makes FASTag or E-Tag the only accepted mode of toll payment at all its toll plazas in Mumbai starting April 1.
If you try to pay with cash, card, or UPI, be ready to pay double the toll amount. This decision is all about speeding up toll operations and cutting those long, painful waits.
What does the data have to say?
Why the rush for FASTag?
According to the previous data, the fall in average wait times at toll plazas fell from a staggering 714 seconds to just 47 seconds when FASTag for vehicle was introduced, which is a nearly an impeccable 93% reduction in waiting time!
With around 45,000 km of national highways and expressways covered by FASTag at roughly 1,000 toll plazas nationwide, it’s clear that this system is working wonders for smoother and faster traffic flow.
What Toll Plazas Are Affected?
The new rule will affect several key entry points into Mumbai. Specifically, five major gateways – Mulund West, Mulund East, Airoli, Dahisar, and Vashi – will now require you to have a FASTag or E-Tag for toll payment.
In addition, these busy routes include popular stretches like:
Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Old Mumbai-Pune Highway
Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Solapur Integrated Road Development Project
Nagpur Integrated Road Development Project
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Integrated Road Development Project
Katol Bypass
Chimur-Warora-Vani Highway
This list shows you exactly where you must be extra careful to have your FASTag ready. Remember, while school buses, light motor vehicles, and state transport buses are exempt, all other vehicles need to play by the new rules.
Legal Backing and Government Intentions
Not too long ago, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition challenging the mandatory FASTag rule. The court clearly stated that this decision does not infringe on anyone’s rights and is a step toward modern, efficient toll management. The move aligns with directives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the road transport ministry, ensuring that everyone is on board with the faster, cashless way of paying tolls.
In a nutshell, this move by the MSRDC is set to make your daily commutes smoother and faster. With the clear numbers proving its efficiency, the mandatory use of FASTag is here to save you time, reduce stress at toll plazas, and keep Mumbai’s roads moving.
So, gear up, check your FASTag balance, and get ready to hit the road without any delays!
Stay smart, updated, and make sure you’re FAST-ready when April 1 rolls around!
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