New Delhi, March 4: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented stricter measures to tackle incorrect FASTag deductions, leading to a significant reduction in such incidents. FASTag, an electronic toll collection system, is affixed to a vehicle's windshield and linked to a prepaid wallet. When a vehicle passes through a toll plaza, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology automatically deducts the applicable toll fee.
According to recent data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), FASTag transactions grew by 6% in December 2024, reaching 382 million, while the total transaction value rose by 9% to ₹6,642 crore. However, incorrect deductions have been a persistent issue, often caused by manual entry errors by toll operators when the system fails to scan properly. In some cases, technical glitches or system errors have also led to unintended charges.
To curb this issue, NHAI has penalized toll operators in at least 250 cases, with fines reaching up to ₹1 lakh per incident. These enforcement measures have resulted in a 70% reduction in incorrect deductions, bringing down complaints to 50 per month.
In addition to regulatory actions, the government has introduced new rules for FASTag users. If a FASTag has low balance or delayed payments, additional charges will apply. Furthermore, if a FASTag remains inactive for more than 10 minutes after crossing a toll, the transaction will be automatically rejected. In cases where payments are completed 15 minutes after passing the toll plaza, extra fees may be imposed.
FASTags are available for purchase from banks, digital wallets, toll plazas, and fuel stations, and regular recharges are necessary to avoid disruptions. With NHAI’s stringent monitoring and heavy penalties, the number of wrongful deductions has significantly declined. However, if users face incorrect deductions, they can file a complaint and claim refunds through the designated grievance redressal system.
