NHAI Revolutionizes FASTag Toll Payment Experience: No More Than 10 Seconds Wait Time at Toll Plazas

In a significant move to enhance the travel experience on National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented groundbreaking guidelines to ensure that the service time per vehicle at toll plazas does not exceed 10 seconds, even during peak hours. These measures, aimed at minimizing delays and promoting a seamless flow of traffic, mark a paradigm shift in toll collection efficiency.

Under the new directives, if a four-wheeler vehicle waits for more than ten seconds at the toll booth, they will be exempted from making the tax payment. To further streamline the process, toll plazas have been instructed to mark a yellow line 100 meters before the booth entry. If vehicles are observed behind this line, toll operators must allow them to pass without collecting tax payments.

Take a look at the press release by NHAI ensuring wait time not more than 10 seconds.

The NHAI’s initiative, which aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ objective, aims to ensure that drivers do not encounter any inconvenience during toll plaza payments, especially during peak hours. With the increasing adoption of FASTag and the ongoing pandemic emphasizing the importance of contactless transactions, the NHAI has successfully transitioned to 100% cashless tolling since mid-February 2021.

Despite the efficiency brought about by FASTag, the NHAI’s guidelines cater specifically to those making cash payments. For FASTag users, whose toll tax is automatically deducted upon approaching the toll window, the exemption from toll payment after a 10 second wait remains unclear.

FASTag vehicles enjoy dedicated lanes at toll plazas, ensuring swift and smooth movement, contrasting with the potential delays faced by those making cash payments. The NHAI’s commitment to providing a safe, smooth, and seamless journey on National Highways is evident in these measures, reflecting the evolving landscape of toll operations as the country increasingly embraces electronic toll collection methods. With overall FASTag penetration reaching 96%, NHAI envisions new toll plaza designs to accommodate future traffic projections, fostering a more efficient toll collection system for the next decade.