National Highways Suspended Toll Collection

National Highways Authority of India has temporarily suspended its toll collection services, which means NHAI won’t collect toll from the motorists to ease speedy movements to emergency services as the nation fights against the ongoig pandemic. 

NH won’t collect toll from the motorists to ease speedy movements to emergency services as the nation fights against the COVID-19 pandemic

Recently, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, in a tweet said, "In view of COVID-19, it has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of toll at all toll plazas across India. This will not only reduce inconvenience to the supply of emergency services but also save critical time. Maintenance of roads and availability of emergency resources at toll plaza will continue as usual."

Last month, to increase the users of FASTag in India, NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) stopped collecting Rs 100 fee for FASTags between 15 to 29 Feb. During those two weeks, people could visit any authorized government centre with their vehicle’s RC (Registration Certificate) to get free of cost NHAI FASTag. Moreover, before that from 22nd November till 15th December 2019, the government has also offered free NHAI FASTags to encourage users. 

NHAI FASTag is a chip device placed on your car’s windscreen, and it uses RFID (Radio Frequencies Identification) for cashless payment at toll. The biggest benefit of this device is you don’t need to wait in a queue at toll plazas. The sensors installed at tolls detect the FASTags while the car is in motion, and the accurate amount is deducted from your bank account or virtual wallet. After purchasing a FASTag, it has a validity of 5 years. You need to recharge the device as per your requirement. 

The biggest benefit of this device is you don’t need to wait in a queue at toll plazas

Moreover, in January 2020 National Highway Authority of India started a drive to remove all the speed breakers from National Highways. The government has done this to ensure fast and hassle-free movement of traffic at highways, especially at toll plazas.