NHAI launches ETC system on Delhi-Chandigarh highway

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system by integrating all the toll plazas on Delhi-Chandigarh stretch at Dappar toll plaza in Mohali. After inaugurating the Inter-Operable ETC system facility at national highway in the region, Alok Deepankar, Chief General Manager, NHAI said this is the third stretch of NHAI where ETC has been launched. He said this facility is already operational on Delhi- Mumbai stretch and Bangalore-Chennai stretch. He said by December-end, all the toll plazas in the country will get ETC facility having at least one dedicated lane for this purpose initially, number of which will be increased keeping in view the public response. By using Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) FASTag, the commuter will be benefited by way of no waiting at toll plaza which will save travel time on national highway. Moreover, vehicle can be tracked through SMS alert. "Toll amount will be automatically deducted from commuter's account without waiting at toll plaza," he said. Recharge of 'FASTag' is facilitated through banks and Points of Sale (POS) established at strategic locations including all Toll Plazas operated throughout the country, he informed. For the time being, this facility has been made operational with the help of two banks - AXIS Bank and ICICI Bank -and talks are on to extend this facility with the help of other banks too. The initial cost of FASTag is Rs 250 (excluding tax). As FASTag is based on Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), tracking of vehicles is possible as the registered mobile number gets SMS each time when the vehicles crosses toll plaza using FASTag.