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India Processes 12.55 Lakh Toll Refunds In 2024: Gadkari Discusses Penalties On Highway Toll Agencies
The government has announced that in 2024, 12.55 lakh refunds were processed for incorrect toll collections on National Highways. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that penalties exceeding ₹2 crore have been imposed on agencies responsible for these errors. The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) reported these refunds from a total of 410 crore FASTag transactions, representing just 0.03% of all transactions.
Gadkari explained that if toll agencies are found guilty of incorrect fee deductions, they face a penalty ranging from 30 to 50 times the excess fee charged. This is in accordance with Clause-15 of the Contract Agreement. Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken action against irregularities by barring 14 toll collection agencies after a probe revealed fraudulent activities.
Addressing Toll Collection Issues
Vehicles sometimes incur toll charges without using the highways due to errors like incorrect Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) entries or multiple FASTag readings. To combat such issues, NHAI plans to install audit cameras at high-value toll plazas. These cameras will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor vehicle counts and classifications accurately.
The user fee rates are determined by NH-Fee Rules, 2008, and are displayed at each fee plaza. Gadkari mentioned that an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) has been implemented across 325 National Highway projects covering approximately 20,000 km.
Infrastructure Developments and Initiatives
The government aims to develop Wayside Amenities (WSAs) every 40-60 km along National Highways. So far, around 700 WSAs have been planned, with 393 awarded and 94 operational. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure along highways.
In response to another query, Gadkari highlighted that NHAI raised ₹6,661 crore through the Toll, Operate, and Transfer (TOT) Mode for the financial year 2024-25. Bids for projects under TOT-15 are currently under evaluation.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
As of March 17, 2025, there are a total of 26,367 public EV charging stations across India. During the fiscal year 2024-25 alone, 10,019 new public EV charging stations were deployed nationwide. This expansion supports the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country.
The government's efforts reflect its commitment to improving highway infrastructure and addressing issues related to toll collections effectively. These initiatives aim to ensure smoother travel experiences for commuters while promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
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