Regular route users, including bus drivers and private vehicle owners, claim that scanners often cannot read fastag equipment and force manual intervention that results in a long pile, especially during top hours and weekends. | Photo Credit: File Photos
Fastag non-functional scanners on the highway on the highway controlled by Bengaluru-Massur’s access cause considerable delay and frustration between the daily commuters.
Regular route users, including bus drivers and private vehicles, claimed that scanners often cannot read Fastag and force manual intervention that results in a long pile, especially during top hours and weekends.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which travels between Bengaluru and Mysur Daily, said it has persisted in the last 20 days. “Fastag scanners do not read the brand in our bus. We have to wait almost five minutes for toll employees to hit and scan manually. This is often happening and affecting not only buses but all types of vehicles,” he said.
He added: “Because of these delay I often got stuck on toll square for almost 30 minutes and I miss my schedule. Passengers are upset and we can’t stick to the schedule.”
The commuters also state that these problems lead to severe overload in the caniminike sheshagiri Halli Toll Plazas and other key tolls along the section.
Mahesh Kumar, commuting from Mandya, remembered the recent experience of Toll Plaza Kaniminike. “My Fastag didn’t read. After five minutes, the employee told me that the problem was with my fastag and made me pay in cash, including a fine. But I took over the brand and had enough balance,” he said.
“When I returned from Mandy to Bengalur later the same day, there was the same problem. This time I insisted that it was not my fault. They scanned it manually and it worked. It is obvious that the mistake was by toll square,” he added.
Weekend travelers are particularly affected, and many claim that the delay has become part of the routine. Yakshith Br, Resident Kengeri, said, “Although I am leaving home on Saturday at 6 o’clock, I am still getting stuck in toll square.
Many commuting now urges the Indian National Highway (Nhai) to take quick steps. They require improved sensor technology, regular maintenance and better coordination on Earth. Some even suggest that Nhai should consider temporary opening of toll gates when the scanner errors occur to facilitate overload.
“If the Fastag system fails regularly, especially during hours of operation with the peak, the at least Nhai can make wave vehicles when a technical error occurs. Commanders should not be penalized for systems,” said Venkates P., a regular commuting in this section and Vijayanagar resident.
When they were contacted, Nhai officials said they did not receive formal complaints, but made sure the matter would be investigated. “We did not give any specific complaints about the Fastag scanner on the Bengaluru-MSuru motorway.
Published – June 7, 2025 21:55
