The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made the use of FASTag mandatory for availing return journey discounts or any other exemptions on toll fee plazas.
Users who wish to claim a discount for making return journey within 24 hours or any other local exemptions, shall be required to have a valid functional FASTag on the vehicle. A gazette notification to amend the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 was notified in this respect on August 24.
This is another step towards promoting the use of digital payments at fee plazas of national highways. The fee payable towards such discounts shall be paid through pre-paid instruments, smart cards or through FASTag or onboard unit (transponder) or any other such device only.
The amendments to the rules would enable discount on a return journey within 24 hours through FASTag or such other device and automatic and no requirement for a pass, and requirement of FASTag for availing discounts in all other cases.
The amendment would also enable that in cases where there is a discount available for a return journey within 24 hours, there is no need for a prior receipt. The user would get the discount automatically if the return journey is made within 24 hours with a valid and functional FASTag on the vehicle.