Starting April 1, all motorists passing through toll plazas managed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will need to pay using FASTag or E-Tag. This new mandate aims to streamline toll operations, reduce wait times, and align with national directives. Failure to use these digital payment methods will result in double the toll amount when using cash, cards, or UPI.
Transition to Digital Payments
According to an official from the MSRDC, the decision to implement FASTag and E-Tag payments is part of an effort to enhance operational efficiency at toll plazas. The move also seeks to clarify any confusion surrounding the use of FASTag and is in line with the guidelines set by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. To formalize this transition to digital payments, a government resolution has been issued, signaling the upcoming changes that will take effect on April 1.
The MSRDC currently oversees toll collection at various entry points to Mumbai, including Dahisar, Mulund West, Mulund East, Airoli, and Vashi. Notably, certain vehicles like light motor vehicles, State Transport buses, and school buses are exempt from paying toll at these locations. Additionally, popular toll centers such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and others fall under the jurisdiction of the MSRDC and will also require FASTag payments starting April 1. This mandate aligns with the NHAI’s earlier decision in February 2021 to make FASTag mandatory for toll collection across national highways and expressways, covering approximately 45,000 kilometers and 1,000 toll plazas.
Interestingly, the Indian government had previously reported to the World Bank that the introduction of FASTag had significantly reduced average wait times at toll plazas from 714 seconds to just 47 seconds in 2013. This remarkable improvement underscores the potential benefits of digital payment systems in enhancing traffic flow and overall user experience on highways.
Hurdles and Legal Challenges
Despite the merits of transitioning to digital toll payments, there have been some challenges and legal disputes regarding the mandatory use of FASTag. The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the compulsory implementation of FASTag, citing that the general public should be able to adapt to this technology. Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre affirmed that the policy decision was not arbitrary and did not infringe on the fundamental rights of vehicle owners.
The petitioner, Arjun Khanapure from Pune, had raised concerns about the potential hardships faced by individuals unfamiliar with technology, advocating for hybrid lanes that would accept cash or alternative payment methods. However, the court rejected these arguments, emphasizing that sufficient time and resources had been provided to assist the public in transitioning to FASTag. Notably, the central government’s advocate highlighted the availability of FASTags through e-commerce platforms, a dedicated helpline, and thousands of service points along highways to support users through the adoption process.
As the deadline for implementing FASTag at MSRDC toll plazas approaches, motorists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this digital payment system to avoid inconveniences and additional charges. By embracing technological advancements like FASTag, drivers can contribute to smoother traffic flow, reduced wait times, and improved overall efficiency on India’s highways.
The transition to digital toll payments represents a significant milestone in modernizing infrastructure and enhancing the overall travel experience for commuters across Maharashtra. By leveraging technology like FASTag, the state aims to create a more seamless and efficient road network that benefits both drivers and the broader transportation ecosystem.
