Resident medical students at Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences, Dahanu, have expressed concern about their FASTag wallets emptying at rapid rates, as the Khaniwade and Charoti toll booths on NH48, which adjoin the institute, have begun deducting Rs 130 instead of Rs 75, and Rs 95 instead of Rs 65, respectively. Originally, the tolls for one-way and return journeys at Khaniwade were Rs 75 and Rs 110, respectively, while those imposed at Charoti were Rs 65 and Rs 100.
“I began noticing discrepancies in my FASTag wallet in June. The Khaniwade toll booth deducted R130 from my wallet on June 13, 21, 23, and July 2. This is when we raised a stink, and the toll authorities asked us to talk to our banks,” said Dr Manashvi Gogri, a final-year resident from the college.
The FASTag wallet of a resident medical student, where the deductions can be clearly seen
After speaking to the bank concerned, Dr Gogri received a refund for the initial overheads. However, soon after, the medico spotted a board at the toll booth indicating that there had been a rise in the prices. “At Charoti, which is closer to our institute, we end up showing our IDs at times and are exempted from the toll. That’s not the case at Khaniwade. The new tolls make it difficult for students who travel via private vehicles, since there’s little to no public transport available,” she said.
Another student, who observed erratic deductions from his FASTag wallet, called the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) helpline on July 6 but heard nothing of the price hikes. “With no prior notice, students are now paying steep tolls,” he said.
The students, who hail from Mumbai, generally travel back home every weekend or every other week. On an average, they pass the two toll booths at least four times a month. “We have to pay these tolls every time we visit our home, or even restaurants or cafes in Virar and Vasai. This sudden hike makes matters difficult for students, since we get by with limited funds,” said Dr Gogri.
Official Speak
An NHAI official confirmed to mid-day that the tolls had been hiked. “This move had been pending since 2022; it has now been implemented, as per the toll guidelines released in 2024,” he stated. Officially, the students have no means to bypass the Khaniwade toll booth, unless they have a monthly private vehicle pass.
