About a decade ago, the Government of India launched the FASTag scheme, a bold move to reform toll payments on national highways. The goal was simple: replace the cumbersome, time-consuming, and often corruption-prone cash payments at toll gates with a seamless digital system. FASTag, an RFID device affixed to your vehicle’s windscreen, promised to revolutionize travel. Imagine: an RFID reader at the toll gate, automatic deduction from your account, and the gate smoothly opening. In principle, it was a brilliant leap forward, leveraging advancing digital payment technology for a hassle-free highway experience.
But here’s where principle collides with reality. What the FASTag failed to factor in was the complex psyche of the Indian road user – our complete lack of civic sense and, frankly, our foolish attempts to evade legitimate tolls.
The “Entitled” Lane Blockers
For many, the concept of a “freebie” extends to toll-free passage. A significant portion of the population believes they are entitled to it, brandishing ID cards from the defense, police, judiciary, or local leadership (sarpanch, adhyaksh, etc.). Those not officially entitled often feel they should be.
When they reach the gate, the ritual begins: An ID card is dug out, handed over to the attendant, scrutinised, and if “satisfied,” the vehicle passes. If not, the “discussion” begins. The driver tries to convince the attendant, fumbles for another ID, or sometimes even produces a “family FASTag” from their pocket for a swipe. Mind you, any FASTag not affixed to the vehicle windscreen is not valid. If all else fails, finally, cash is grudgingly paid.
Meanwhile, a queue of frustrated drivers stretches behind them. A supposedly smooth passage becomes a monumental nightmare for them. The poor, underpaid toll attendant is often in a no-win situation; confrontation can escalate to violence, forcing him to let the vehicle go toll-free anyway. It makes one wonder: why doesn’t the government simplify things by officially issuing cost-free FASTags directly to these “entitled” individuals? No toll would be deducted, but at least the flow of traffic wouldn’t be perpetually stalled for everyone else.
The Cash Lane Crisis
Then there are those who still prefer to pay cash, usually infrequent travellers who see no need to purchase a FASTag they’ll rarely use. While dedicated cash lanes are supposed to exist for them, what do we see? These drivers, instead of using their designated lane, shamelessly swerve into a FASTag lane, fumbling for cash when they arrive at the gate and holding up the digital traffic. The government is reportedly considering an “Annual FASTag” scheme promising even faster passage. But can we truly expect these “zip lanes” to be used only by genuine owners? Or will these, too, be hijacked by freeloaders, completely defeating their purpose?
The Cost of Congestion: Beyond the Toll Gate
So, you’ve navigated these self-imposed hurdles and are finally on the controlled access toll road, for which you’ve paid a fair amount. What greets you? Unauthorised vehicles – two and three-wheelers – not only using the road illegally but also brazenly flouting all traffic norms: speeding, driving on the wrong side, without a care in the world. Just the other day, a massive truck, driving on the wrong side to avoid a toll, killed five people and still managed to escape. Yet another person sped through a toll gate in an attempt to evade toll, killing the attendant in the process. The newspapers are full of these stories every day.
Speeding Car kills toll attendant
You’ll also encounter dangerously overloaded vehicles carrying sugarcane, scrap, or long bars, chugging along. Some of these are contraptions, or Jugaad, are tricycles assembled from junk, using discarded scooter engines. Their gearless direct drive design is such that they cannot operate at a slow speed. None of them has any kind of number plate, rendering them invisible to law enforcement. If the police do attempt a crackdown, they get accused by the local politicians of depriving these unfortunate people of their livelihood. So they don’t even bother now.
And despite collecting such large tolls, road maintenance is pathetic. Large stretches of these toll roads are frequently riddled with potholes or are perpetually under construction. Is this what we pay toll for?
Progress vs. Persistent Mindset
Undoubtedly, India’s highway system has improved tremendously in the last decade. As frequent travellers to Uttarakhand, we’ve witnessed the transformation firsthand; what once took 7-8 hours from Delhi to Dehradun now takes under 4. Several other major highways have significantly reduced commuting times, while vehicular traffic has increased manifold. High-end SUVs and world-class luxury cars are a common sight on these roads as more and more people step out to enjoy the pleasures of travelling. Excellent food courts and restaurants vie with traditional dhabas to serve fresh mouthwatering fare along most major highways. They all offer clean, hygienic washrooms which were a rarity not so long ago.
Sadly, despite these remarkable infrastructural advancements, the mindset of the Indian road user remains stubbornly stuck in the slow lane. Until that changes, even the most innovative solutions like FASTag will continue to face an uphill battle.