Bombay High Court has reserved its order on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the mandatory use of FASTag at toll plazas. The case tightens the grip with the statement of either having a FASTag or paying double the cash amount on the toll, creating a heated debate on this topic.
Although the final hearing is pending, upcoming changes in the automotive industry will be seen regarding tolls and FASTags.
What’s the Issue?
The Bombay High Court has put a pause on its final decision about a PIL that challenges the compulsory use of FASTag at toll plazas. The PIL, brought forward by Pune resident Arjun Khanapure, takes a close look at the rule forcing drivers to use FASTag and charging double fees if they pay in cash.
Khanapure argues that this system leaves behind people who do not have easy access to digital payments, especially in rural areas where technology is still catching up.
How Did We Get Here?
Electronic toll payments first became an idea in 2008 and were rolled out properly by 2014 to help modernize India’s toll system and cut down on pollution. Fast forward to 2021, the government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) converted all cash lanes into FASTag lanes.
The reason behind the debate
According to official data, it has been seen that about 97.25% of vehicles have already switched to FASTag, making digital toll payments a norm for most drivers. This massive shift has helped reduce waiting times at toll plazas and decreased harmful emissions from idling vehicles.
Different Views on the Policy
On one hand, the state government and the Centre argue that the FASTag system is working well. They note that digital payments are now a big part of everyday life, from paying bills to buying groceries. They also mention that the policy has been refined over time, giving people ample chances to get used to the new way of paying tolls.
Moreover, officials insist that even if someone doesn’t have a bank account, they can easily recharge their FASTag through various channels, which makes the system more inclusive than it seems.
On the other side, concerns remain. The court’s decision to hold off on its final order shows that the judges want to carefully consider whether the drive for digital payments is leaving behind a section of society.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre, even pointed out that even small business owners like fruit sellers are now using online payment apps, suggesting that digital transactions might be here to stay. Yet, they also recognize that a few users might struggle with the transition.
Overall, the upcoming verdict will decide whether the rule stays as is or if changes will be made to help those who face difficulties with digital payments. For now, the decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing modern technology with the needs of all citizens making sure that no one is left behind as India speeds towards a digital future.
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