DC Pulwama oversees functioning of FASTag at Kaichachkoot Toll Plaza

Pulwama : Amidst complaints of inconvenience by commuters over mandatory provision of FASTags by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama Dr. Raghav Langer today made a spot visit to Kaichachkoot, Toll Plaza to take appraisal of the issue.The DC during the visit held interaction with all stakeholders and directed the officials and concessionaires of NHAI to ensure widespread awareness among the commuters. He directed for installing facilitation centers all along the National Highway besides installation of Billboards and Hoardings to disseminate information regarding the FASTags.It was also directed to put up more counters of authorised banks and IHMCL (Indian Highways Management Company Ltd) for issuance of on spot FASTags.The DC appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities as the FASTags mechanism has been introduced to save time and seamless passage. He added that the exception clause shall be abided with, and people falling within the radius of 20 Kms shall be given the relaxation and a mechanism has been carved out for the same.It is noteworthy that all the 12 lanes at Toll Plaza K.koot, Awantipora on NH-44 have been equipped with FASTags.As per NH Fee Rules 2008, any vehicle not fitted with FASTag or vehicle without valid functional FASTag entering into the FASTag lane of the fee plaza shall pay a fee equivalent to two times the fee applicable to that category.The high tech-initiative is internet-based aimed at promoting fee payment through digital mode, saving precious time and fuel consumption.