Karnataka Collects Over Rs 11,112 Crore in FASTag Toll Revenue in Three Years
Electronic toll collection accounts for over 98% of highway user fee collection, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
New Delhi: Karnataka has collected Rs 11,112.31 crore in toll revenue through FASTag transactions over the past three financial years, reflecting the rapid shift to electronic toll collection on National Highways in the state.
According to data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the state earned Rs 3,049.09 crore in 2022-23. The collection increased to Rs 3,839.14 crore in 2023-24 and further rose to Rs 4,224.08 crore in 2024-25.
The figures were provided in the Rajya Sabha on February 11 in response to an unstarred question by MP G. C. Chandrashekhar. Replying to the query, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) now contributes more than 98% of total user fee collection across the country, including Karnataka. This indicates that FASTag has become the dominant mode of payment at toll plazas, significantly reducing cash transactions.
The Minister explained that FASTag payments are processed through a secure system that includes the Toll Management System Software at toll plazas, the acquiring bank, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as the central clearing house, and the FASTag issuer bank. Transactions cannot be completed without the involvement of all stakeholders. Each deduction is notified to the user and recorded in a central system to ensure transparency and accountability.
To curb toll evasion and prevent revenue leakage, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on January 25, 2024. The SOP mandates surprise inspections and regular monitoring to ensure all toll transactions are processed strictly through the designated toll management software.
On toll rate revisions, Gadkari clarified that user fees are governed by the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Toll charges at publicly funded plazas are revised annually based on changes in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). In the case of toll plazas operated by private concessionaires, rates are revised as per the terms outlined in their concession agreements.
He added that toll fees may also increase if the tolling length under a plaza is extended. Charges vary depending on the vehicle category, with cars, jeeps and vans paying the lowest rates, while multi-axle heavy vehicles are charged higher fees due to greater road usage and wear and tear.
