There is good news for the commercial vehicle owners. The central government will be rolling out an annual FASTag for commercial vehicles soon. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced that the government is considering annual FASTag passes for state transport corporation buses and private commercial vehicles. Additionally, the government is also considering providing land at concessional rates to groups of private bus operators to develop facilities along national highways. The centre has already rolled out an annual FASTag pass for private vehicles a few months ago. The new step will enhance business for the commercial vehicle owners.
What Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said
According to the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India, 92% of the country’s buses, about two million in total, are privately owned. Every day, around five lakh people travel by air, 2.4 crore by train, 1.15 crore by metro, and 40 crore by bus, of which 32 crore passengers travel in private buses. Despite buses being such a major mode of transport, the Confederation has raised concerns about the lack of adequate facilities. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that the government is considering similar benefits for state transport buses, private buses, and cab drivers, just as the annual FASTag of Rs. 3,000 has already been introduced for private car owners.
The Union Minister also said he does not agree with having lower speed limits for commercial vehicles and higher limits for private vehicles. In meetings with state transport ministers, the central government has repeatedly emphasized that speed limits should be uniform across the country. Although the states have not agreed yet, discussions are still ongoing. On facilities for private vehicles, Gadkari added that if private bus operators apply together through a group like an FPO, the Ministry of Transport is prepared to provide land along highways at concessional rates for roadside amenities. If such applications are received, the Ministry will frame a policy for it.
When Will the Annual FASTag Pass for Commercial Vehicles Be Introduced?
According to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, preparations for rolling out the annual pass for state transport corporation buses and private commercial vehicles are underway. The process and other procedures would require at least another three months. However, this time period is not confirmed.
