Big scam by Toll Operators using Fastag
On Feb 5, 2022, we went by car, initially on Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) from near Dasna, Ghaziabad up to Kundali, then on Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) from Kundali to Manesar. In the evening, we retraced exact same route while returning.
I was charged Rs. 145 + 240 for outgoing travel, and Rs. 70 + 90 for return, total of Rs. 545. The debit entry of Rs. 240 was made on the afternoon of Feb 6, well over 24 hours after the travel time.
An accompanying car using the same route was charged Rs. 380 total - even that seems to be on the higher side.
It appears Toll operators check the balance available in Fastag and debit on their own whims - my car had an opening balance of Rs. 600, out of which Rs. 545 was charged, while the other car had Rs. 399 opening balance, out of which Rs. 380 was charged.
When passing through the toll gate, there is no indication on the screen about the amount being debited, which should be obligatory for the toll operator.
I have tried searching on the internet about actual applicable toll rates on EPE & WPE, but could not find this information anywhere.
Please advise how to raise this issue with an appropriate forum to seek refund of excess amounts charged.
I believe this is an important issue for Local Circles to raise with the Ministry, as well as NHAI, because not many people may be paying attention to small amounts being debited to their Fastag account, but such small sums could total thousands of crores of rupees as scam money earned by the toll operators, given that lakhs of vehicles travel around the highways paying toll through Fastag. more