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E-toll payment system in limbo irks motorists

Citizens allege MEPL, which hasn't been able to successfully launch the tech, is minting money at their expense

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Motorists who have opted for toll payment at entry points of Mumbai using Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology are angry with the toll agency Mumbai Entry Points Limited (MEPL) and claim it is minting money at their expense.

One such motorist is Raman Ramesh, a resident of Thane who drives inside Mumbai civic limits for work daily.

"Around eight to 10 months ago, MEPL decided to implement the electronic tag system (RFID-based toll collection) claiming it will curb traffic jams. We had no choice but to buy electronic chip for Rs100 to be pasted on the windscreen. But due to technical issues the system has not taken off and they are now issuing contactless smart cards for which an additional Rs60 has to be paid," said Ramesh.

According to motorists who have purchased the electronic chips, despite repeated requests they are yet to be refunded the Rs100.

"This is nothing but daylight robbery for their inefficiency and failure by not implementing the system. If they can't rectify and restart their RFID system or refund people's money, they should at least provide the alternative free of cost," said Ramesh.

Affected motorists have protested before managers at toll posts but have failed to get an effective solution. Their attempts to approach managing director of MEPL Jayant Mhaiskar and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Anil Diggikar too haven't given results.

Repeated attempts to contact Mhaiskar yielded no response.

Since 2012, MEPL has been repeatedly claiming to start RFID-based toll collection (for less waiting time at toll nakas) at all the five entry points of Mumbai, but it hasn't managed to launch it successfully yet.

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