NHAI to implement 'Fastag' policy near Toll gates

Vehicles are being forced to pay a fee during traffic congestion at toll plazas on the national highway. Especially at 8 to 11 am, crossing the toll plaza from seven o'clock in the night it takes a minimum of ten minutes and a maximum of half an hour. This is caused by the lack of adequate retailers in the form of cash fees and automakers. To overcome this, NHAI officials have taken steps to make online payments at toll places. Such arrangements have already been made at some toll plazas in the state. The Center has also decided to implement a 'Fastag' policy for payment of fees online from December 1 on the remaining toll places. With a prepaid toll fee, the vehicle can cross the toll plaza without stopping.

This policy was introduced a few years ago and is not fully utilized by motorists. Lack of proper publicity and lack of awareness among motorists. Attempts are being made to issue monthly passes at lower rates to motorists from villages located near the plazas.

There are three tolls in the NHAI area of Visakhapatnam district. One is at Aganampudi, the other at Vempadu and the third is at Bhogapuram on the Srikakulam district road. Locals have expressed doubts over the implementation of the policy in the wake of a court dispute over the Aganampudi toll plaza. The implementation of this policy will give relief to the people on festival times.