Latest news with #AnnualPassSystem


India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Siddaramaiah asks Gadkari to reschedule foundation laying ceremony for Shivamogga National Highway project
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 14 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday wrote to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, requesting to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony for the Shivamogga National Highway project, which is scheduled to be held today. He said that he was not consulted before the finalisation of the project's dedication and foundation ceremony on July 14, despite his name being included in the draft invitation card. 'I have not been intimated about this programme in advance, and an inauguration programme of various developmental schemes is already scheduled under my Chairmanship in Indi Taluka, Vijyapura District on the same day,' Siddaramaiah said in a letter. Asking Gadkari to instruct his department to coordinate while organising such events, the CM said that it would have been 'appropriate' for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to have consulted with the Karnataka government before scheduling the state-level programs. 'It would have been more appropriate for MoRTH to have consulted with the State Government before scheduling the State Level programmes. Therefore, I request you to instruct the department to coordinate with the state government while organising such programmes. Also, I request you to postpone this programme and provide me a couple of dates convenient to you, so that I would be able to join you in this significant state-level programme,' the letter read. This comes as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, along with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), was organising a 'Dedication to Nation and Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony' program on July 14 at Nehru Field in Shimoga district. Earlier, the NHAI further strengthened its policy to immediately report and blacklist 'loose FASTags', commonly known as 'tag-in-hand', to ensure smooth tolling operations, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a release. With the move, the authority has further streamlined its policy for the Toll Collecting Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report 'loose FASTags'. In view of upcoming initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability, the release stated. FASTags are sometimes deliberately not fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle by the owners. Such practices pose operational challenges leading to lane congestion, generation of false chargebacks, misuse in closed loop tolling system, causing overall disruption of the Electronic Toll Collection framework, resulting in unnecessary delays at toll plazas and inconvenience to other National Highway users, it highlighted. To ensure timely corrective measures, NHAI has provided a dedicated email ID and has directed the Toll Collection Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report such on the reports received, NHAI will take immediate action to initiate blacklisting/hotlisting of the reported FASTags. (ANI)


Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
FASTag users alert! You may risk blacklisting over this common mistake
The National Highways Authority of India has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported. The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle's windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disrupts the automated toll collection system . NHAI has also provided a dedicated email ID for reporting such violations, enabling swift action including blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags. The initiative comes as NHAI prepares to roll out major advancements in tolling infrastructure, including the FASTag-based Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling. Ensuring the proper placement and use of FASTags is seen as essential to maintaining system reliability and tolling efficiency under these upcoming frameworks. Loose FASTags present several operational challenges. They cause lane-level congestion, trigger incorrect chargebacks, and are often misused in closed-loop systems, ultimately resulting in delays and inconvenience for other highway users. To curb this growing issue, NHAI has asked toll operators to act promptly. Upon receiving a report, the agency will initiate the blacklisting process to prevent further misuse of the concerned FASTag. Earlier in June, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000 will be introduced on Independence Day. Valid for a year or up to 200 trips, the pass is expected to further simplify highway travel.


Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, July 13: Loose FASTag users to be blacklisted, Mahindra and Uno Minda to produce rare-earth magnets
The National Payments Corporation of India and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have issued some key changes to the FASTag rules aimed at streamlining toll payments, reduce disputes and tackle frauds. Notify me The automotive sector is undergoing swift transformations, making it challenging to remain updated on all the recent developments. At HT Auto, we are committed to providing the most pertinent and up-to-date information as it emerges. Presented below is a brief summary of the main highlights from Sunday, July 13. Loose FASTag users to be blacklisted by NHAI The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is ready to take strict action against the national highway users who don't paste the FASTag stickers on the designated spot on the car windshield. The NHAI has further strengthened its policy of immediately reporting and blacklisting of loose FASTags, which is a practice commonly known as 'tag-in-hand'. The agency aims to take this step in an attempt to curb toll fraud and ease congestion at toll plazas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in an official statement has said that this move will make the toll operations further smooth. The release also stated that in view of upcoming initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability. With the move, the authority has further streamlined its policy for the toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report loose FASTags. Also Read : Loose FASTag users to be blacklisted by NHAI, no more 'tag-in-hand' at toll plazas. Know more Mahindra and Uno Minda to produce rare-earth magnets in India Auto manufacturer Mahindra, as well as auto component manufacturer Uno Minda, are eyeing the local production of rare earth magnets in India with an aim to cut reliance on China. This plan is being devised keeping in sync with the Indian government's initiative to incentivise the production of the critical components. Also Read : Mahindra and Uno Minda plan to produce rare-earth magnets in India, eyeing to cut dependence on China Indian Auto Sector Struggles in Q1 FY26 Amid Rising Costs, Slowing Exports India's auto sector is likely to be hit with margin pressure once again during the first quarter of FY26, a recent report by HDFC Securities has stated. Also Read : Indian auto sector faces tough Q1 FY26 as costs climb and exports slow: Report The report does not give an optimistic outlook for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) since a mix of elevated input prices, softer demand, and regulatory changes could dent profitability in the short term. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 14 Jul 2025, 08:46 am IST


Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Loose FASTag users to be blacklisted by NHAI, no more ‘tag-in-hand' at toll plazas. Know more
Loose FASTags will be reported and blacklisted immediately after detection. Check Offers The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is ready to take strict action against the national highway users who don't paste the FASTag stickers on the designated spot on the car windshield. The NHAI has further strengthened its policy of immediately reporting and blacklisting of loose FASTags, which is a practice commonly known as 'tag-in-hand'. The agency aims to take this step in an attempt to curb toll fraud and ease congestion at toll plazas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in an official statement has said that this move will make the toll operations further smooth. The release also stated that in view of upcoming initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability. With the move, the authority has further streamlined its policy for the toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report loose FASTags. Why this step? FASTags are sometimes deliberately not fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle by the owners. Such practices often pose operational challenges leading to lane congestion, generation of false chargebacks, misuse in closed-loop tolling systems, causing overall disruption of the electronic toll collection framework, resulting in unnecessary delays at toll plazas and inconvenience to other national highway users, the release highlighted. To ensure timely corrective measures, NHAI has provided a dedicated email address and has directed the toll collection agencies and concessionaires to immediately report such loose FASTags. Based on the reports received, NHAI will take immediate action to initiate blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags. Currently, more than 98 per cent of the total vehicular population using the national highways across India use FASTag for paying toll charges. This system has revolutionised the electronic toll collection system in India. However, the loose FASTags or tag-in-hand pose a challenge to the efficiency of electronic toll collection operations. Move comes ahead of Annual Pass launch The move comes ahead of the launch of the Annual Pass for FASTag users. Earlier in June 2025, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government has decided to introduce a FASTag-based annual pass to ensure seamless and cost-effective travel across the country's national highways. The FASTag-based Annual Pass will be priced at ₹ 3000 and valid for one year from the date of activation or for a maximum of 200 trips. It will be launched on Independence Day this year. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 13 Jul 2025, 09:01 am IST


India Gazette
7 days ago
- Automotive
- India Gazette
NHAI strengthens process for reporting 'Loose FASTag' to ensure smooth tolling operations
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has further strengthened its policy to immediately report and blacklist 'loost FASTags', commonly known as 'tag-in-hand' to ensure smooth tolling operations, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a release. With the move, the authority has further streamlined its policy for the Toll Collecting Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report 'loose FASTags'. In view of upcoming initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability, the release stated. FASTags are sometimes deliberately not fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle by the owners. Such practices pose operational challenges leading to lane congestion, generation of false chargebacks, misuse in closed loop tolling system, causing overall disruption of the Electronic Toll Collection framework, resulting in unnecessary delays at toll plazas and inconvenience to other National Highway users, it highlighted. To ensure timely corrective measures, NHAI has provided a dedicated email ID and has directed the Toll Collection Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report such FASTags. Based on the reports received, NHAI will take immediate action to initiate blacklisting/hotlisting of the reported FASTags. With a penetration rate of over 98 per cent, FASTag has revolutionised the Electronic Toll Collection system in the country. Loose FASTags or 'tag-in-hand' pose a challenge to the efficiency of Electronic Toll Collection operations. This initiative will help to make toll operations more efficient, ensuring seamless and comfortable journeys for the National Highway users, the Ministry stated in the in June, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government has decided to introduce a FASTag-based Annual Pass to ensure seamless and cost-effective travel across the country's national highways. The FASTag-based Annual Pass will be priced at Rs 3000 and valid for one year from the date of activation or for a maximum of up to 200 trips. It will be launched on Independence Day this year. (ANI)