FAStag at Ponnarimangalam toll

Kochi: Faced with stiff opposition to the introduction of toll on the Container Road (NH 966 A), the National Highway Authority of India is taking steps to introduce FAStag facility and set up solar street lights on the 17-km stretch. The facility will be provided on each lane on either direction of the Ponnarimangalam toll plaza.

“We’ve already invited proposals from FAStag service providers to introduce hybrid method here. Personnel with hand held machines will be deployed and they just have to read the RFID (Radio Frequency Ident-ification) code and the amount will be automatically deducted from the customer’s bank acco-unt,” said a senior NHAI official.

FASTag is a device that uses RFID technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it. It is affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle and enables the owner to drive through toll plazas without stopping for payment. Almost all the new vehicles are enabled with the technology.

However, the authorities admitted that a separate dedicated FASTag lane is not possible at the Ponnarimangalam toll plaza.  “The detailed project report with regard to the 17-km section that connects Bolgatty with Kalamassery was final-ised in 2005-06. That time the FASTag facility was not compulsory as of now,” he said.

The NHAI will have to install half a dozen sensors and set up a concrete lane at both ends to provide the facility. “It is too costly and time-consuming. Hence we opted for the hybrid system,” the official said.

All toll plazas, including Paliyekkara and Kumbalam, feature the mandatory FAStag facility. While the former has a dedicated lane, the latter has three lanes where the facility is available.

The agency is planning to set up solar streetlights at the entire section. “We’ve submitted a proposal submitted by KELTRON to Delhi headquarters for approval. We’ll also set up reflectors and sign boards,” the official said.

Meanwhile, container movements and cargo transport was affected for the second day with the Container Monitoring Committee, a body comprising stakeholders like lorry owners, workers, and trade union leaders, continuing the indefinite strike. “The current fee is too high. We demand that talks be held with us and a reasonable fees fixed,” said said Charles George, Convenor of the Committee.

K.V. Thomas MP shot off a letter to Chief Minister demanding that the toll should be effected only after completing work of the service road and under pass as promised. “Steps should be taken to ensure adequate parking space for Container lorries,” he said in the letter.