Why FASTag at Delhi Airport arrivals? NHAI tells banks not to allow entry restrictions

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has addressed concerns over the use of FASTag for parking fee payments at Delhi Airport's Terminal 3 arrival lane. It was recently discovered that only vehicles with active FASTags were being permitted into the arrival lane, while others were directed to the Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP). This situation led to many vehicles exhausting their 8-minute free waiting period, which was introduced in October 2024 to alleviate traffic congestion.

NHAI clarified that FASTag is exclusively a payment system and not a tool for enforcing entry restrictions. The authority has instructed IDFC Bank, which manages the airport, to ensure the FASTag system is solely utilized for payment purposes and not for implementing entry restrictions. Subsequently, other banks have also received similar directives.

The 8-minute free waiting time at the arrival lane was designed to prevent traffic congestion by promoting a continuous flow of vehicles in and out of the pickup lane. After this period, the airport charges Rs 250 for 9-13 minutes and Rs 500 for over 13 minutes of parking. However, the mandatory use of FASTags for entry into the arrival lane has proven inconvenient, particularly for residents of Delhi-NCR.

Many vehicles in this region lack active FASTags or those with insufficient balances, as they do not require toll plaza usage for city commuting.

Social media users, particularly on platform X, have expressed dissatisfaction with the payment of parking fees at the airport. NHAI suggested that the airport could implement an exit infrastructure similar to that at Delhi Railway Station, where all vehicles, regardless of FASTag status, are allowed entry and charged according to the time limit at the exit. Additionally, FASTag is utilized for parking fee payments across various parts of the city, beyond toll charges on national highways.