Electronic tolling started on Indian highways in 2014 and became mandatory in 2021, but even now it hasn’t rid toll plazas of long tailbacks. TOI+ explains the main reasons, and suggests some solutions
Early morning in late March, a car headed from Delhi to Jaipur halts at Badarpur-Faridabad toll plaza. “Please come forward. Now, go back a little. Forward again.” Finally, Rs 35 is deducted amid honking from other cars.
Another day, different highway. At Gharaunda near Karnal, a toll plaza operator beckons a car closer to his unresponsive boom barrier. The barrier lifts a few seconds after its scanner reads the car’s FASTag. But some cars need to wait longer and get through only with manual intervention.
Another day, different highway. At Gharaunda near Karnal, a toll plaza operator beckons a car closer to his unresponsive boom barrier. The barrier lifts a few seconds after its scanner reads the car’s FASTag. But some cars need to wait longer and get through only with manual intervention.