The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has penalised toll collectors in almost 250 cases for making improper FASTag wallet deductions.
Sometimes, even when their cars are parked at home or haven’t crossed toll plazas, FASTag subscribers receive toll deduction alerts. Officials blame this on mistakes made by toll booth workers while entering vehicle numbers, especially when FASTag becomes illegible or when people carry tags in their wallets.
In certain situations, the roads authority’s toll management agency, IHMCL, now charges a fine of Rs 1 lakh for each infraction. A TOI article claims that this significant fine has led to a 70% decrease in these kinds of events.
At the moment, IHMCL receives around 50 valid complaints per month, whereas 30 crore FASTag transactions occur across toll plazas on national highways.
False toll deductions have been reported by users on social media sites and in formal complaints to IHMCL. Each case is carefully reviewed, and customers who are the victims of incorrect deductions can make a complaint by phoning 1033 or sending an email to falsededuction@ihmcl.com.
Additionally, chargebacks are promptly given to the consumer if a complaint regarding such a deduction or improper manual transactions is proven. In addition, the culpable toll operator faces a penalty of Rs 1 lakh,” a senior IHMCL official stated.
The official clarified that the major reason for these erroneous deductions is still toll operators entering the wrong vehicle number while processing manual computer transactions.
Using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, a FASTag is a rechargeable, prepaid tag that allows cars to pass through toll gates without stopping. Through FASTag apps, customers may manage the system’s automated toll charge deductions from a linked prepaid account. This electronic tag connects to toll plaza scanning devices and is affixed to the car’s windscreen.
FASTag was introduced by NHAI and is now required for all cars. By drastically cutting down on wait times, fuel use, and in-person interactions at toll booths, this computerised toll collecting system has revolutionised toll payments throughout India.
