It is frequently observed that excess amounts are deducted via FASTag when crossing highway toll plazas; there have even been instances where money is debited from an account while the vehicle is parked at home, triggered by a sudden FASTag notification on the owner’s mobile. Government data presented in the legislative assembly revealed that in 2024, out of total FASTag transactions worth ₹410 crore, approximately 1.25 million transactions resulted in a total loss. These figures highlight the scope for illicit practices. This is not a trivial matter. While complaints regarding erroneous toll deductions are often logged, they are frequently ignored, allowing toll operators to benefit unfairly. However, the High Court has now delivered a significant verdict that promises major relief to vehicle owners. If you are on a long-distance journey and are charged an excessive toll amount, the toll operator will now be mandatorily required to refund 100% of the excess charge.
The Case and the Court’s Order
The matter originated with the Bhopal-Dewas four-lane highway, where a toll company was collecting excessive fees. Specifically, the company was charging rates applicable to three-axle vehicles while collecting cash at the plaza, resulting in the accumulation of a substantial surplus amount. When the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) took action against this irregularity, the company challenged the move in the High Court. However, the High Court dealt a major blow to the toll company. According to sources, the case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Rusiya and Justice D.P. Mishra. Implications of the High Court Ruling
The High Court’s decision holds significant relevance for the general public. Although the specific ruling ordered a refund of money wrongly collected by a single company, it is being viewed as a landmark precedent for toll plazas across the board. This verdict could spell trouble for toll plaza operators regarding similar instances of overcharging. While mechanisms to address excess deductions already exist, the resolution of such disputes is often delayed or put on hold; however, this High Court ruling may deter operators from engaging in such wrongful practices, as they now fear that legal action could lead to strict penalties or mandated concessions. Consequently, if an overcharge does occur, operators might try to stall the resolution process rather than addressing the claim immediately.
Why does FASTag sometimes result in excess deductions?
Here are some of the primary reasons why excess amounts are deducted via FASTag:
The foremost reason is “double scanning.” It often happens that the toll system scans the tag twice, resulting in a double deduction of the toll amount.
A second reason is that toll plaza operators sometimes assign a FASTag meant for larger vehicles to a smaller car, leading to a deduction at the higher rate applicable to larger vehicles—an error often caused by the operators themselves.
Furthermore, when an excess deduction occurs and a complaint is filed, the toll operator may place the grievance in “pending” status. If this delay exceeds 24 hours, the user loses eligibility for the concession usually granted for round trips completed within that timeframe, and the excess money is not refunded.
Another major factor is slow internet connectivity or other technical glitches at the toll plaza, which can also lead to excess deductions.
