Lok Sabha Question No. 3181 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-12
Subject: Congestion at Toll Plazas due toFASTag System
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Rakesh Singh

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  is aware that the  long queues of vehicles at toll gates are still being witnessed despite  introduction  of  FASTag  facility  in the  country;
- (b)  if  so,  the  remedial  measures  taken  by  the Government  in  this  regard;
- (c)  whether  the  people  and  farmers  residing nearby  areas  of  toll  plazas  are  facing  problems of more  amounts  being  paid/deducted  due  to  FASTag as  they  require  frequent  movements  for day  to day  needs  and  if  so,  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto;
- (d)  whether  these  people  are  facing  difficulty  in getting  passes  made  for  them  due  to  several new  rules to  avoid  such  problems;  and
- (e)  if  so,  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to resolve this problem?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  &(b)  According  to  the  Government  mandate,  all  lanes  of  fee  plazas  on  National  Highways except one lane have been declared as FASTag Lane of the fee plaza. As a result, waiting time in FASTag lanes has significantly reduced. However, the waiting time in the hybrid lane which accepts cash has increased because of non-FASTag vehicles. It has been observed that more waiting time in hybrid lanes vis-a-vis FASTag lanes has worked as a catalyst for adoption of FASTag. Waiting time will further reduce in future with further adoption of FASTag by non-FASTag vehicles.

(c) to(e) As per Rule 9(3) of the National Highways fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 provides for- 'A person who owns a mechanical vehicle registered for non-commercial purposes and uses it as such for commuting on a section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass  or  tunnel,  may  obtain  a  pass,  on  payment  of  fee  at  base  rate  for  the  year  2007-2008  of Rupees one hundred and fifty per calendar month and revised annually in accordance with rule 5, authorising it to cross the fee plaza specified in such pass;

Provided that such pass shall be issued only if such driver, owner or person in charge of such mechanical vehicle resides within a distance of twenty kilometers from the fee plaza specified by such person and the use of such section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be does not extend beyond the fee plaza next to the specified fee plaza.

Provided  further  that  no  such  pass  shall  be  issued  if  a  service  road  or  alternative  road  is available for use by such driver, owner or person in charge of a mechanical vehicle.'

All  discounts and  monthly passes are applicable through FASTag. Such person may avail facility of FASTag monthly pass and can apply online for it at www.nhai.gov.in > FASTag monthly pass or ihmcl.com >FASTag> Buy Monthly FASTag Pass.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3181 ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2020

## CONGESTION AT TOLL PLAZAS DUE TO FASTAG SYSTEM

## 3181. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

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