NHAI extends deadline for fixing FASTag on vehicles to January 15
Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com
Chennai:15.12.2019
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the deadline for fixing FASTags on vehicles to January 15 as more than 50% of vehicles on the roads are yet to fix the radio frequency identification (RFID)-based FASTags to facilitate electronic toll collection and hassle-free movement at toll gates. The NHAI had earlier fixed December 15 as deadline for fixing FASTags.
Chairman of NHAI, Sukbir Singh Sandhu, has asked his regional officers to take call on converting Fastag lanes into hybrid lanes as a temporary measure. However, only 25% of the lanes at toll plazas will remain hybrid, accepting cash.
Demand for FASTags touched 1.96 lakh on December 6. An NHAI official said steps had been taken to meet the demand. Talks were held with Banks issuing FASTags and tag manufacturers, he said.
The chip used in the RFID tag is imported, which has a lead time of six weeks. The average production capacity of all the manufacturers is in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 per day, said the official.
The official cited delay in issuing FASTags as another reason for extension of the deadline. Before enforcing mandatory use of FASTags in all the 523 toll plazas in the country, including 48 in TN, enough tags should be made available, he said.
Once the percentage of vehicles with FASTags crosses 75%, the NHAI will usher in the compulsory Fastag regime, he said. After that, vehicles plying without FASTags along FASTag lanes will have to pay double the amount as toll.
Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com
Chennai:15.12.2019
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the deadline for fixing FASTags on vehicles to January 15 as more than 50% of vehicles on the roads are yet to fix the radio frequency identification (RFID)-based FASTags to facilitate electronic toll collection and hassle-free movement at toll gates. The NHAI had earlier fixed December 15 as deadline for fixing FASTags.
Chairman of NHAI, Sukbir Singh Sandhu, has asked his regional officers to take call on converting Fastag lanes into hybrid lanes as a temporary measure. However, only 25% of the lanes at toll plazas will remain hybrid, accepting cash.
Demand for FASTags touched 1.96 lakh on December 6. An NHAI official said steps had been taken to meet the demand. Talks were held with Banks issuing FASTags and tag manufacturers, he said.
The chip used in the RFID tag is imported, which has a lead time of six weeks. The average production capacity of all the manufacturers is in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 per day, said the official.
The official cited delay in issuing FASTags as another reason for extension of the deadline. Before enforcing mandatory use of FASTags in all the 523 toll plazas in the country, including 48 in TN, enough tags should be made available, he said.
Once the percentage of vehicles with FASTags crosses 75%, the NHAI will usher in the compulsory Fastag regime, he said. After that, vehicles plying without FASTags along FASTag lanes will have to pay double the amount as toll.
No comments:
Post a Comment