In a gesture of welcoming goodwill toward easing the plight of daily commuters, the government has announced the decision to disallow toll charges on any vehicle within a 20-km radius of any toll plaza in the country. This step is considered a huge respite for thousands of demanding exemption from toll charges for using nearby highways so frequently in their daily work, school, or business.
The Fine Print Of The Rule
As per the revised policy, an owner of a vehicle residing or conducting business within a 20KM radius of a toll plaza shall not be liable to pay toll charges. This is applicable to private-governed or commercial vehicles registered under that area. The NHAI has issued directions for smooth implementation of toll exemption to ensure there is no confusion during operation at the toll plaza and to prevent misuse of the policy.
How Does One Enroll For Toll Exemption?
To avail of the exemption, a vehicle owner must provide proof in the form of documents verifying the residential or business address within the 20KM radius. These documents include:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (VC)
- Aadhaar card or any Address-Proof Government-issued ID
- An Electricity Bill or Rental Agreement
Candidates have to visit the nearest toll plaza office, or they can log onto the official NHAI website for online applications. After verification, the user will be issued a special FASTag category that facilitates automatic exemption at the toll plaza.
Who Will It Benefit?
This new direction will benefit daily office commuters, school transport vehicles, farmers, small business owners, and a lot of other people, long dependent on these routes for livelihood. Many complained about the toll charges becoming a burden with passage in quick succession. With this, the government intends to create a fair travel environment for those who use the highways frequently, but only for short stretches.
Further Boost To The Local Economy
The experts are of the opinion that the exemption will cut costs for daily commuting and produce further gains for local trade and mobility, by assuring more people to use the highways without any financial inhibition. Another expected benefit will be the easing of traffic congestion arising from toll disputes.
Conclusion
This policy change stands as a big step made away towards developing the road infrastructure utilization, concurrently considering the needs of the regular commuters. The government’s resolve for affordable travel is manifested through this citizen-friendly initiative.
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