NHAI: In an effort to curb toll evasion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is introducing stricter measures to ensure toll fees are paid by all highway users, including those with faulty or blacklisted FASTags. Soon, it will no longer be possible for vehicle owners to avoid paying tolls for extended periods, as unpaid tolls will be displayed on the Vahan portal—similar to how traffic challan dues are currently visible.
Integration of Toll Dues in Vahan System
The NHAI has proposed to the Ministry of Road Transport to make changes in the Vahan system, so that toll dues can be collected from vehicles without a functioning FASTag. A new section titled “Unpaid User Fee Dues” is set to be added to the Vahan portal, allowing vehicle owners to see their outstanding toll fees along with photographic evidence of the violation.
According to the NHAI’s proposal, vehicle owners with unpaid toll dues will not be able to transfer their vehicle registration, obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), or receive a fitness certificate until the dues are cleared. Owners will have seven days to either pay the dues or dispute the charges.
Free-Flow and Satellite-Based Tolling Systems
The proposal comes as the NHAI moves towards a free-flow tolling system, which allows vehicles to pass through highways without stopping at toll booths. This system is being tested on certain stretches and will eventually be expanded before the full implementation of satellite-based tolling. This technology uses cameras, sensors, and number plate recognition to automatically detect vehicles and collect tolls.
The NHAI has also suggested the possibility of linking toll payments with other systems, such as vehicle insurance renewals, to prevent toll defaulters from exploiting loopholes.
By integrating unpaid toll dues into the Vahan system, the NHAI aims to ensure smoother toll collection and reduce instances of evasion, improving the efficiency of India’s tolling infrastructure.
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