Traveling across India has been made easier and smoother with the implementation of toll plazas. These toll plazas are pivotal structures located at regular intervals on national highways, and aid in the maintenance and upkeeping of these roads. They play a vital role in ensuring easy and hassle-free passage for all types of vehicles.
Locating Toll Plazas in India
Considering India’s massive road network, the number of toll plazas has considerably increased, with approximately 415 toll plazas operating across the national highways network as of 2020. The tourism portals launched by various states in India provide all the necessary details for a traveler about the toll plaza locations and how much they must pay at each point. These toll plazas are strategically located ensuring a balanced revenue system for the upkeep of highways.
Toll Charges
Toll charges in India vary depending upon the kind of vehicle one is using. For a car, minibus or van, the fee is lower, while heavy construction machinery or truck pay a higher fee. However, the toll rate for any category of vehicles should not exceed ₹65 per km for developed highways, and ₹70 per km for new highways as per the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
To achieve improved efficiency on the highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in India. One such ETC system, mandated by NHAI, is FASTag.
Bajaj Pay FASTag
Bajaj Pay FASTag has emerged as a convenient electronic toll collection system allowing automatic payment at toll plazas. Bajaj Pay FASTag is a simple to use, reloadable tag that enables automatic deduction of toll charges and lets you pass through the toll plaza without stopping for cash transaction. It’s linked to a prepaid account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted. Bajaj Pay FASTag is also beneficial by enabling travelers to save fuel and time at toll plazas.
Buying Bajaj Pay FASTag
You can buy new FASTag online, which makes the process more comfortable and quicker. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to buy Bajaj Pay FASTag:
- Visit the official Bajaj Finserv website or open the Bajaj Finserv app.
- Click on ‘Get it now’ on the Bajaj Pay FASTag section.
- Enter your personal and vehicle information in the application form.
- Upload the necessary KYC documents, and submit the form.
- Make payment via any of the online methods available.
- Once the payment is validated, Bajaj Pay FASTag will be delivered to your registered address.
Toll Plaza Regulations
The government has meticulously outlined regulations to ensure accountability and smooth functioning of the toll plazas. They also have established instructions for toll collection, exemption provisions, fee determination, and other critical aspects. Fastag or any form of ETC is now mandatory for all vehicles. If a vehicle moves through the toll without FASTag or with an inactive tag, they would have to pay double the prescribed toll charge.
In summary, toll plazas significantly contribute to the development and maintenance of road infrastructure in India. And with the incorporation of systems like FASTag, the process at toll plazas has been fast-tracked and made more efficient. Those who wish to buy new FASTag, Bajaj Pay FASTag offers a simple and quick process, making travel smooth and hassle-free.
