Question : Introduction of NETC through FASTag

(a) the objectives for introduction of National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) through FASTag;
(b) whether the Government is considering to extend the deadline for 100 percent implementation of FASTag system of toll collection and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the measures taken by the Government to discourage cash transactions at toll plazas;
(d) the number of FASTags issued during the last two years in the State of Tamil Nadu and the challenges faced by the Government to implement FASTag;
(e) whether the Government has made any comparative analysis of the collection of toll before and after implementation of FASTags;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(h) the steps taken by the Government to resolve the difficulties in the implementation of FASTag?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) through FASTag has been implemented on pan India basis to reduce waiting time, remove bottlenecks and ensure seamless movement of traffic at fee plazas by allowing electronic payment of user fees on National Highways.
(b) There is no such proposal under consideration.
(c) To discourage cash transactions, Government, vide Gazette Notification no. GSR 523(E) dated 24.08.2020, notified that fee payable towards discounts as under sub-rules (2), (3) and (3A) of rule 9 of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, shall be paid through pre-paid instruments, smart card or through FASTag or on board unit (transponder) or any other such device.
(d) As on 12.01.2021, a total number of 18,64,115 FASTags have been issued in the state of Tamil Nadu as per Vehicle Registration Number.
(e) &(f) After the implementation of FASTag in phased manner in December, 2019, waiting time in FASTag lanes has significantly reduced, which will further improve as the system gets more operationalised. With a monthly fee collection of Rs 2,088.26 Crore through FASTag in December 2020, FASTag penetration has reached 73.36%, as compared to 44.31% in December 2019.
(h) Citizens are being informed about benefits of adopting FASTag through various platforms such as social media, print media, hoardings and advertisements etc. Multiple channels and Point of Sale (PoS) have been operating, including e-commerce platforms for easy availability of FASTag to customers.
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