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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Delhi: Father, son held for killing 19-year-old woman in suspected honour killing
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has arrested a man and his son for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area, an official said on Friday.
The case first came to light on April 1 after a PCR call was received around 2 pm, alleging that a woman had been killed by her family members and her body was being taken for last rites, he said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Maneer (55), a vegetable vendor, and his son Meraj Ali (19), were arrested in connection with the case, the officer said.
The victim had been in a relationship with a man from her native place for the past two years, which was opposed by her father, Maneer and brother Meraj, he said.
"When the girl did not end the relationship despite objections, the family killed her," the officer said.
On April 1, the police said that when their team reached the spot, they found that the woman's body was being taken for burial.
Acting on the input, the burial process was stopped over suspicion of honour killing.
"Police intercepted the family members and took possession of the body," he said.
Police said that the man who had made the PCR told them that the woman was in love with his cousin.
During the inquiry, police also interacted with the PCR caller, who said his cousin, a friend of the deceased, had informed him about the situation and suspected foul play, prompting him to alert the police control room.
The body of the woman was subsequently shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation and postmortem.
Police said that both the crime team and the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team were called to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Police said that, as per the postmortem report, the cause of death was identified as smothering, indicating that the woman was suffocated.
A preliminary inquiry also revealed that the family had initiated preparations for the last rites soon after the woman's death, raising suspicion about the circumstances.
Initial investigation pointed to the family's opposition to the woman's relationship.
"The family members of the woman saw her with the man, and she was taken back home. We got to know that she was beaten up and even locked inside the house for some days," a source said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, police added.
