In a potential boon for millions of the Indian motoring community, the Government is reportedly considering adding a FASTag Annual Toll Pass for Rs 3,000, which would allow for unlimited travel on all of India's national highways, state highways and expressways.
If the Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass comes into effect, it may revolutionise how toll collection is conducted in India, for every regular commuter offered persistent reassurance in their on-road travel.
Dual-Payment System in the Works
A report from the Times of India says that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is considering offering a dual payment toll system featuring:
An Annual FASTag Pass: A payment of Rs 3,000 for unlimited travel over 12 months.
Distance based tolling: A flat fee of Rs 50 for every 100 km travelled.
The annual pass should probably be good for daily travelers, as well as businesses that work to travel our highways on a frequent basis, while offering distance-based tolling would appeal to those that do not travel regularly, as rates would be more reasonable and fair, based on how much they actually use it.
Also Read: New Toll Policy May Offer Huge Relief, Annual Pass at ₹3000
No Extra Accounts or Paperwork
The good thing about this new option is its simplicity. All travelers equipped with FASTag will not be required to set up new accounts or file additional paperwork. They will have the option to switch to the annual pass or stay on the distance-based tolling option, all from their current FASTag account.
What About the Lifetime FASTag?
In a surprising change of direction, the government scrapped its initial plan of a lifelong pitch for FASTag which sold for Rs 30,000 for a period of 15 years and has now moved to annual passes which may be appropriate and widely acceptable alternatives.
The Future of Toll collection: Seamless and Barrier free
In addition to new pricing structures, MoRTH is said to be looking at barrier free tolling with a fervent desire to eliminate physical toll plazas. They will be assisted in this venture by a plethora of advanced technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and contactless high-speed toll collection which should remove barriers and ultimately lead to improved movement of traffic while minimizing chokepoints at toll booths.
Although the policy review is still underway it is possible that it may lead to a time when highway commuting in India is spectacular for the commuter.
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