New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.):

The Central Government has revised the rules governing toll-exempt FASTags issued for vehicles used by persons with disabilities. Under the new provisions, eligible beneficiaries will no longer be required to renew their FASTags every year.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the revised guidelines will come into effect from October 2. The changes are aimed at making toll-related procedures on national highways simpler, more transparent and more accessible for eligible persons with disabilities.

Under the revised rules, toll-exempt FASTags will be issued for vehicles specially designed and manufactured for use by persons with physical disabilities, as well as vehicles registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ ownership category. Eligibility will be determined on the basis of the percentage of disability recorded in a valid disability certificate, Unique Disability ID (UDID) card or other applicable documents.

The ministry said that under the earlier system, annual renewal of toll-exempt FASTags was mandatory. Under the revised arrangement, FASTags issued to beneficiaries with 70 to 100 per cent disability will remain valid for five years, while those issued to beneficiaries with 40 per cent to less than 70 per cent disability will remain valid for three years.

After the validity period expires, the toll-exempt FASTag can be renewed, provided that the beneficiary continues to meet the eligibility criteria and complies with the provisions of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

According to the government, the revised system will reduce the need for repeated formalities associated with toll exemptions for persons with disabilities and help make the toll collection system on national highways more accessible and user-friendly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar