National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified approximately 60 high traffic fee plazas. Strategies are being developed to monitor these fee plazas in view of cent per cent Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) mandated w.e.f. 15.12.2019. As on 03.12.2019, a total of 82.55 Lakh FASTags have been issued.

As per sub-rule 4 of Rule 3 of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, “No fee shall be levied for the use of the section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, by two wheelers, three wheelers, tractors, combine harvesters and animal drawn vehicles. Provided the three wheeler, tractors, combine harvesters and animal-drawn vehicles shall not be allowed to use the section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, where a service road or alternative road is available in lieu of the said national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel. Provided further that where service road or alternative road is available and the owner, driver or the person in charge of a two wheeler is making use of the section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, he or she shall be charged fifty per cent of the fee levied on a car.”

This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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RCJ/MS