New Delhi: Starting 1 April, you may get to enjoy a smoother drive across the country’s national highways, with the rollout of electronic toll collections.

Those who avail of the electronic payment option will also get a 10% discount on toll for one year, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) chairman Raghav Chandra said. Users can visit any branch of the three banks—ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and State Bank of India (SBI)—and get a sticker with an electronic tag for ₹ 100-150. Scanners or hand-held devices at the toll plazas will automatically deduct toll from vehicles with the sticker. The sticker will be issued based on the vehicle’s axle load since the toll is different for different types of vehicles. You could apply for the sticker on the website of the NHAI or the bank.

Out of the 357 toll plazas in the country, 300 tolls have already installed the equipment, while the remaining 57 would use hand held devices from April 1 and have been given some extended time to switch to the equipment.

NHAI chairman Chandra said in the first phase, three banks have been empanelled and in the coming months, it would be extended to other banks also who come forward. Besides, the e-tags will be also sold at petrol pumps and designated centres once the system is in place.

Chandra said commuters can opt for prepaid, post-paid or direct account debt options. Those who want to pay by cash do that as well. All data related to the electronic tags would be stored with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) which will be the central clearing house.

The NHAI is still giving finishing touches to the project. “However by April end, all systems would be absolutely in place and commuters could enjoy a hassle-free and quick ride on national highways," he said. NHAI is also planning to introduce advanced management systems on 2,000 km of national highways in the next fiscal to address traffic snarls, accidents and other issues.

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