By Starting February, the National Highways Authority (NHA) has introduced a new toll policy aimed at encouraging motorists to use M-Tags for smoother toll collection. Under this policy, vehicles without an M-Tag will face a 25% surcharge on toll fees, significantly increasing the cost of travel.
Who Will Be Affected?
The surcharge applies to:
- Vehicles lacking an M-Tag.
- Motorists attempting to pay tolls in cash with insufficient balance in their M-Tag account.
To further discourage cash payments, the NHA has imposed a minimum extra charge of Rs. 50 on such transactions.
Why the Change?
This move aligns with the NHA’s mission to achieve 100% M-Tag compliance, which is expected to:
- Ensure smoother traffic flow at toll plazas.
- Streamline toll collection processes.
- Reduce the dependency on cash payments.
M-Tag Compliance in Punjab
Earlier, the Punjab government tightened M-Tag requirements to ensure better motorway management. Vehicle owners now need:
- Fitness certificates for commercial vehicles.
- Registration books for vehicle verification.
- Driver’s licenses for compliance checks.
What Should Motorists Do?
To avoid the additional charges, motorists are strongly advised to:
- Obtain an M-Tag from authorized centers.
- Maintain sufficient balance in their M-Tag accounts.
- Keep required vehicle documents updated.
Benefits of M-Tag
- Faster toll clearance and reduced waiting times.
- Cashless transactions for convenience.
- Transparent toll payment records.
As motorway travel becomes more reliant on digital toll solutions, getting an M-Tag is essential for a hassle-free journey and to avoid financial penalties. Stay updated and prepared to make your travels smoother and more cost-effective.
