Karnataka collects Rs 11,112.31 crore in toll revenue through FASTag in three years
New Delhi: Karnataka has collected Rs 11,112.31 crore in toll revenue through FASTag transactions over the last three financial years, reflecting the growing adoption of electronic toll collection across National Highways in the state, The Hindu reported on Monday.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the state collected Rs 3,049.09 crore in 2022-23. The amount rose to Rs 3,839.14 crore in 2023-24 and further increased to Rs 4,224.08 crore in 2024-25.
Replying to an unstarred question by MP G. C. Chandrashekhar in the Rajya Sabha on February 11, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) now accounts for more than 98% of user fee collection across the country, including Karnataka. The figures indicate near-universal use of FASTag at toll plazas, significantly reducing cash transactions.
The Minister explained that FASTag payments are processed through a secure system involving the Toll Management System Software at toll plazas, the acquiring bank, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) acting as the central clearing house, and the FASTag issuer bank. No transaction can be completed without the participation of all three stakeholders. Each toll deduction is communicated to the user and recorded in a central repository, ensuring transparency and accountability in toll operations.
To prevent toll evasion and revenue leakage, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on January 25, 2024. The SOP mandates surprise inspections and regular monitoring to ensure all transactions are processed only through the Toll Management System Software.
On toll revisions, Minister Gadkari clarified that user fees are collected under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Rates at publicly funded toll plazas are revised annually based on changes in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). In contrast, toll plazas operated by concessionaires revise rates in accordance with the terms specified in their concession agreements.
He said that toll charges may also increase if the tolling length under a plaza is expanded. Fees vary by vehicle category, with cars, jeeps and vans paying the lowest rates, while multi-axle heavy vehicles are charged higher fees in proportion to road usage, and the wear and tear they cause.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
