What is Toll Tax in India?
Toll tax in India is a fee levied on vehicles for using specific stretches of road, typically highways and expressways. This fee helps maintain and improve the infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient travel for commuters. The toll tax is collected at designated toll plazas equipped with booths where drivers can pay the required fee.
The revenue from toll taxes is used for these road networks' construction, maintenance, and operation. In India, toll tax rates vary depending on the type of vehicle, distance covered, and the road category. Heavy vehicles like trucks and buses usually pay higher toll fees than smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles. Implementing electronic toll collection systems, such as FASTag, has streamlined the toll collection process. It has reduced congestion at toll plazas and promoted cashless transactions.
Toll tax rules in India
In India, toll tax rules are governed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and various state highway authorities.
The regulations specify the toll rates, exemptions, and collection processes. Toll rates are generally revised periodically to account for inflation and road maintenance costs.
The toll plazas must display the toll rates prominently for different types of vehicles. Vehicles equipped with FASTag can use the dedicated FASTag lanes for electronic toll collection, ensuring quicker passage through toll plazas. FASTag is mandatory for all cars to facilitate seamless travel on national highways. In addition, toll tax rules mandate specific exemptions for certain vehicles.
These include those belonging to the armed forces, government officials on duty, and emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks. Toll rules also allow concessions for residents who frequently use a particular toll plaza. It is subject to verification and issuance of appropriate passes.
Who is exempted from paying Toll tax?
- Vehicles belonging to the President of India.
- Vehicles used for official purposes by the Prime Minister of India.
- Emergency service vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks.
- Defence vehicles.
- Vehicles used by the Central and State armed forces.
- Government vehicles on duty.
- Local residents with valid passes.
Major difference between road tax and Toll tax
Feature |
Road tax |
Toll tax |
Purpose |
Levied for the registration and use of vehicles |
Charged for the use of specific roads, bridges, or tunnels |
Collection |
Collected by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) |
Collected at toll plazas by road authorities |
Payment frequency |
One-time or annual payment |
Paid each time the specific road or bridge is used |
Use of funds |
Maintenance of public roads and transportation |
Construction and maintenance of toll roads and highways |
Paying toll tax online using FASTag
Paying toll tax has become hassle-free with the introduction of FASTag, an electronic toll collection system. FASTag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic deduction of toll charges while the vehicle is in motion.
The tag is affixed on the vehicle's windscreen. Toll payments are directly debited from the linked prepaid or savings account. This not only reduces wait times at toll plazas but also promotes a cashless economy.
Using Bajaj Finserv to get FASTag
Bajaj Finserv provides an easy and convenient way to obtain a FASTag. Customers can apply online through the Bajaj Finserv website or app. The process involves submitting basic documents and making a nominal payment.
Once approved, the FASTag is delivered to the customer’s address. Bajaj Finserv also offers the option to recharge FASTag accounts through their BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) service. This ensures that the FASTag remains active and functional without any hassle.
Recharge an Existing FASTag:
- Access Bajaj Finserv: Download the Bajaj Finserv app or visit the Bajaj Finserv website.
- Go to Bills and Recharge: Navigate to the 'BILLS AND RECHARGES' section under the 'PAYMENTS' section.
- Select FASTag Recharge: Within 'BILLS AND RECHARGES', choose 'FASTAG RECHARGE'.
- Enter Details: Pick your FASTag issuer and enter your vehicle registration number. Click on 'PROCEED'.
- Complete Payment: Select your preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, net banking) and enter the details. Verify the information and click on 'PAY NOW' to complete the recharge.
Purchase Bajaj Pay FASTag:
- Bajaj Finserv App: Download and open the Bajaj Finserv app.
- Locate FASTag: Tap on 'FASTag' under the 'BAJAJ PAY' section.
- Login and Enter Details: Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP. Provide your vehicle's registration number and upload a copy of the Registration Certificate (RC). If details are not fetched automatically, enter them manually.
- Delivery and Confirmation: Enter your delivery address, review the Terms and Conditions, and tap 'PROCEED' to confirm the purchase.
- Payment and Delivery: Choose your payment method and make the payment. Upon successful purchase, your FASTag will be delivered to your address within 7 days (after RC verification).
Conclusion
Marur Toll Plaza is an essential part of India's extensive highway network, ensuring smooth and efficient travel for commuters. By facilitating the collection of tolls, it helps in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure. This contributes to the overall development of the country's transport system.
Using the Bajaj Finserv BBPS platform to buy new and recharge existing FASTag makes the process of paying tolls seamless and efficient. This modern payment solution not only saves time but also supports the move towards a digital and cashless economy. It makes travel on highways like NH48 more convenient than ever before.
