Starting April 1, 2025, all toll plazas operated by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will require commuters to pay using FASTag or E-Tag. Failure to comply will result in double toll charges for payments made via cash, cards, or UPI. This initiative aims to enhance toll operations and reduce waiting times.
Why FASTag is Mandatory
The MSRDC’s decision aligns with the policies of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and directives from the road transport and highways ministry. The primary goal is to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and promote digital payments. FASTag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enables seamless toll transactions without stopping, ensuring faster traffic movement.
Impact on Commuters
Commuters using the following key routes in and around Mumbai will need to ensure their vehicles are equipped with a valid FASTag to avoid penalties:
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Old Mumbai-Pune Highway
- Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway
- Bandra-Worli Sea Link
- Solapur Integrated Road Development Project
- Nagpur Integrated Road Development Project
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Integrated Road Development Project
- Katol Bypass
- Chimur-Warora-Vani Highway
The MSRDC has also identified five major entry points to Mumbai that will enforce mandatory FASTag payments: Mulund West, Mulund East, Airoli, Dahisar, and Vashi. Notably, school buses, light motor vehicles, and state transport buses are exempt from paying toll tax.
Court Ruling on FASTag Implementation
The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the mandatory use of FASTag. The petition argued that many people are not equipped to adopt this digital payment system. However, the court ruled that the policy was neither arbitrary nor in violation of fundamental rights, emphasizing its role in reducing traffic and improving efficiency.
The Government’s Perspective
The government’s previous reports highlighted the significant impact of FASTag on reducing wait times at toll plazas. The average wait time reportedly dropped from 714 seconds to just 47 seconds post-implementation, enhancing overall traffic flow.
Final Thoughts
For Mumbai commuters, the mandatory FASTag requirement will ensure quicker toll payments and smoother travel. Vehicle owners are advised to purchase and activate their FASTags before April 1 to avoid penalties. With this initiative, MSRDC and NHAI aim to modernize road infrastructure, improve user experience, and promote cashless transactions for a smarter and more efficient road network.
