Mumbai: From April 1, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has mandated toll payments exclusively through FASTag. A public notice was issued earlier, warning that commuters who fail to use FASTag and attempt to pay via other modes such as UPI, card, or cash would be charged double the toll amount.
The decision was taken on the lines of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and from the union road transport and highway ministry. Payment of toll from FASTAG is believed to bring efficiency and reduction in wait time at toll plazas.
A senior MSRDC official confirmed the implementation of the FASTag-only payment system but acknowledged that it has sparked frustration among commuters. Many refused to pay the double toll and were instead instructed to either recharge their FASTag wallets or turn back where possible. This situation has led to significant traffic congestion, particularly at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. However, officials remain optimistic that awareness will help resolve these issues over time.
Titto Epan, a resident of Sion who was travelling from sealink on Tuesday said that there was a traffic jam at Sealink and was first wondering if it was due to breakdown of some vehicle however, later realised that it was due to those who failed to make payment via FASTAG. He said, “the authority should streamline the process to prevent traffic snarls as there will be resistance to pay double the toll. At sealink for instance, the toll for car users is Rs 100 and no commuter would agree to pay Rs 200 immediately.”
MSRDC manages toll collection at five major toll plazas in Mumbai—Dahisar, Mulund (East and West), Vashi, and Airoli—as well as on key highways, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, among others.
