The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently released data showing that FASTag transactions increased by 6% to 382 million in December 2024, while the total transaction value increased by 9% to ₹6,642 crore. But inaccurate deductions have been a recurring problem, frequently brought on by toll workers' mistakes in manual entry when the system doesn't scan correctly. Unintended charges have occasionally resulted from system failures or technological issues.

Penalties for toll operators

To address this problem, NHAI has fined toll operators up to ₹1 lakh per occurrence in at least 250 cases. Due to these enforcement actions, the number of improper deductions has decreased by 70%, resulting in only 50 complaints each month.

NHAI introduces new rules for FASTag users

The government has implemented additional regulations for FASTag users in addition to regulatory actions. Additional fees will be incurred for low FASTag balance or payments that are past due.

Additionally, a transaction will be immediately refused if a FASTag is inactive for more than ten minutes following a toll crossing. Additional costs could be charged if payments are made 15 minutes after passing the toll plaza.

Conclusion

Banks, digital wallets, toll plazas, and gas stations sell FASTags, and frequent FASTags recharges are required to prevent interruptions. The amount of erroneous deductions has drastically decreased as a result of NHAI's strict oversight and severe penalties. However, consumers can utilize the approved grievance redressal mechanism to register a complaint and request reimbursements if they encounter inappropriate deductions.

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