In a significant move, the Maharashtra cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has made it mandatory for all vehicles to use FASTag for toll payment starting April 1, 2025. Vehicle owners failing to comply with this directive will face a penalty of paying double the toll charges.
Key Decision Details
The decision was approved during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, which also included amendments to the Public Private Partnership Policy of 2014. These amendments empower toll managers to impose stricter penalties for non-compliance with FASTag regulations.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | April 1, 2025 |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Double the toll charges if FASTag is not used or vehicles enter FASTag lanes without a valid tag. |
| Amendment Details | Public Private Partnership Policy 2014 amended to include stricter enforcement of FASTag compliance. |
| Applicability | 13 Public Works Department road projects, 9 Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) projects, and future toll collection projects. |
The cabinet note emphasizes that the use of FASTag will bring transparency, reduce vehicle delays at toll plazas, and save both time and fuel.
Read in detail: What is FASTag and How Does it Work?
Revised Government Rules of Procedure
The cabinet also approved the revised Maharashtra Government Rules of Procedure, which aim to streamline administrative work and enhance efficiency.
Highlights of the Revised Rules
- Improved Governance: The updated rules focus on making governance more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric.
- Structure: The revised rules comprise 48 rules, 4 schedules, and 1 annexure, divided into nine parts.
- Details of Schedules:
- Administrative departments of the ministry.
- Matters to be brought before the Cabinet.
- Matters requiring the Chief Minister’s approval.
- Matters needing the Governor’s approval.
- Annexure: Outlines the working procedure of the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet, and the process for introducing bills.
A study group, consisting of secretaries from various ministerial departments, played a key role in drafting the revised rules by studying similar procedures of the Government of India and other states.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Includes 48 rules, 4 schedules, and 1 annexure, divided into 9 parts. |
| First Schedule | Lists administrative departments of the ministry. |
| Second Schedule | Details matters to be brought before the Cabinet. |
| Third Schedule | Covers matters requiring the Chief Minister’s approval. |
| Fourth Schedule | Outlines matters needing the Governor’s approval. |
| Annexure | Explains the working procedure of the Council of Ministers, Cabinet, and the process for introducing bills. |
Background on the Revised Rules
This is the third time Maharashtra has revised its government Rules of Procedure since their inception in 1975. A dedicated study group of departmental secretaries conducted a comparative study of similar rules from the Government of India and other states to prepare the updates.
Chief Minister’s Statement
“The changes in the Rules of Procedure will help in making the administration of the government more transparent, dynamic and people-oriented and it will benefit the people of the state,” said CM Devendra Fadnavis.
The updated rules also relax the working procedures for introducing bills, making legislative processes smoother and faster.
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