FASTag users alert! You may risk blacklisting over this common mistake
National Highways Authority of India
has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported.
The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle's windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disrupts the automated
toll collection system
. NHAI has also provided a dedicated email ID for reporting such violations, enabling swift action including blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags.
The initiative comes as NHAI prepares to roll out major advancements in tolling infrastructure, including the FASTag-based
Annual Pass System
and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling. Ensuring the proper placement and use of FASTags is seen as essential to maintaining system reliability and tolling efficiency under these upcoming frameworks.
Loose FASTags present several operational challenges. They cause lane-level congestion, trigger incorrect chargebacks, and are often misused in closed-loop systems, ultimately resulting in delays and inconvenience for other highway users.
To curb this growing issue, NHAI has asked toll operators to act promptly. Upon receiving a report, the agency will initiate the blacklisting process to prevent further misuse of the concerned FASTag.
Earlier in June,
Union Road Transport
and Highways Minister
Nitin Gadkari
announced that a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000 will be introduced on Independence Day. Valid for a year or up to 200 trips, the pass is expected to further simplify highway travel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
New toll rates announced for Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway: All you need to know
Car and jeep users travelling on the newly constructed Karnataka segment of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway—from Hedigenabele near Hoskote to Sundarapalya near KGF—will soon be required to pay ₹185 for a one-way trip and ₹275 for a round trip. In the reverse direction, Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, tolls will be slightly higher at ₹190 for a single journey and ₹280 for a round trip. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised toll rates for the 71-kilometre stretch connecting Hoskote and KGF (Bethamangala), which has been unofficially in use for over seven months. Toll collection will be distance-based, with four plazas set up at Hedigenabele, Agrahara, Krishnarajapura, and Sundarapalya. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs), and minibuses will be charged ₹295 for a one-way journey from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya, and ₹445 for a round trip. In the reverse direction, fares will be ₹305 and ₹455, respectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo For larger vehicles such as trucks and buses, the toll from Hedigenabele to Sundarapalya will be ₹620 for a single trip and ₹930 for a round trip. From Sundarapalya to Hedigenabele, the charges will be ₹635 and ₹955. Monthly passes for cars are priced at ₹6,105 for 50 trips in one direction and ₹6,260 for the reverse route. Live Events While the expressway's smooth road conditions and high-speed limits (up to 120 kmph) have been a hit with daily commuters, the new toll rates may reduce the road's appeal. A senior NHAI official mentioned that toll collection will commence soon after system integration and coordination with the district administration. Since the expressway's unofficial opening, safety violations—particularly by two-wheelers—have raised concerns. Despite being banned, bikes have entered through gaps in the incomplete fencing, resulting in accidents. In response, NHAI has requested clearance to deploy home guards at toll booths and vulnerable points along the road. "Two-wheeler riders have been entering through gaps in the fencing. This is a serious safety risk. We've asked for clearance to station home guards until the boundary wall is fully built," the official said. Officials expect a possible decline in road usage once tolling begins, but believe the expressway will continue to benefit commuters traveling between eastern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. To enhance last-mile connectivity, NHAI has also allocated funds to improve rural and district roads linking Sundarapalya with the Bengaluru–Kolar Expressway via Mulbagal. However, motorists are urging the government to address long-standing traffic jams between KR Pura and Hoskote. The congested stretch frequently cancels out the time saved on the expressway. "You zip through to KGF but get stuck for 40 minutes at KR Pura," said a regular commuter. "Fixing that needs to come first." [With TOI inputs]
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
ASK Automotive consolidated net profit rises 16.26% in the June 2025 quarter
Sales rise 3.37% to Rs 891.29 croreNet profit of ASK Automotive rose 16.26% to Rs 66.07 crore in the quarter ended June 2025 as against Rs 56.83 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2024. Sales rose 3.37% to Rs 891.29 crore in the quarter ended June 2025 as against Rs 862.20 crore during the previous quarter ended June EndedJun. 2025Jun. 2024% 3 OPM %13.4211.67 -PBDT113.6396.19 18 PBT87.1875.97 15 NP66.0756.83 16 Powered by Capital Market - Live News
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
50% vehicles in India uninsured, PUCC below 30% in these states: Report
A new report has raised serious questions about how responsibly Indians are maintaining their vehicles. While the country is witnessing a boom in vehicle ownership, many motorists are still missing out on basic legal requirements like insurance and pollution checks. Despite stricter laws and increased awareness around road safety, millions of vehicles across the country continue to ply without valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). These findings are part of the latest ORBIT data study by CARS24. Here's a quick look at some key findings. According to the report, more than 50 percent of vehicles in India do not have valid insurance, and two-wheelers account for the majority of these cases. In addition, states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu show less than 30 percent compliance with PUCC norms. The report shows that even as the number of vehicles grows year after year, legal and environmental compliance is not keeping pace. Interestingly, the data also reveals that while southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala fare slightly better, with average compliance enforcement rates of around 9.6 percent, northern states are further behind at 5.6 percent. In the northern region, the bigger issue is lapsed or expired insurance, whereas in the southern states, the focus area remains PUCC violations. Maharashtra has an enforcement rate of just 1.9 percent. Rajasthan stands out with a relatively better rate of 6.74 percent. The study also sheds light on how people are using FASTags. Between June 2024 and June 2025, FASTag toll collections have grown by 17.53 percent, and the average FASTag wallet balance is ₹ 408. While this shows that digital toll payments are on the rise, the lack of basic vehicle documents points to a disconnect between digital adoption and legal compliance. Another major concern is the massive backlog of unpaid traffic fines. Since 2015, traffic challans worth ₹ 5.11 lakh crore have been issued. However, only ₹ 1.92 lakh crore has been paid so far, while the remaining ₹ 3.18 lakh crore is stuck in courts. As many as 7.69 crore challans are still pending litigation.
