Delhi-Chandigarh Highway Leads in FASTag Annual Pass Adoption

29 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Delhi-Chandigarh highway has emerged as a frontrunner in the adoption of the new FASTag Annual Pass, with almost 30% of private cars now using the scheme—three times higher than the national average. Officials say this reflects strong commuter confidence and highlights a shift towards transparent, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions.

The FASTag Annual Pass offers frequent highway users a cost-effective and convenient payment option, reducing travel costs while cutting down on idling at toll plazas. This not only saves fuel but also lowers emissions, aligning with India’s carbon reduction goals. Officials expect sales of the annual passes to cross the one million mark soon.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister has linked the success of such initiatives to greater accountability in highway management. He stressed that tolling must match the quality of service provided and directed that details of contractors, defect liability periods, and responsible officials be displayed publicly to ensure transparency.

A case study of NH-48’s Gurugram-Delhi stretch was cited as an example of the need for better planning. The absence of safe pedestrian and vehicular crossings in the original design led to significant additional costs, underlining the importance of holistic highway development that balances engineering, environmental, and social needs.

The Delhi-Chandigarh model showcases how forward-looking tolling schemes and stronger accountability can work together to build world-class transport infrastructure. By easing costs for commuters while demanding performance-linked delivery from developers, India is moving towards a smarter and more sustainable highway ecosystem.

News source: Urban Acres

Real Estate

03 Apr 2026

Loomcraft Enters South India with Kerala Store Launch

Loomcraft has launched its exclusive store in Kerala, marking its entry into South India and a key step in its nationwide expansion strategy. The move targets a region driven by tourism and premium real estate demand, where outdoor spaces play a central role in hospitality and residential experiences.Kerala’s growing base of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas and gated communities has created strong demand for specialised outdoor furniture. However, the region has remained underserved, with buyers relying on imports or generic products not suited to humid, coastal and monsoon-heavy cond..

Mild Steel Prices Seen Rising to Rs 61,000 Per Tonne

Mild steel prices in India, currently around Rs 58,000 per tonne, are expected to rise to nearly Rs 61,000 per tonne in April, indicating an increase of about Rs 3,000 per tonne. The anticipated rise reflects structural pressures driven by geopolitical tensions, energy constraints and limited raw material availability.Ongoing global conflict has disrupted energy markets, leading to LNG shortages that are affecting domestic steel production. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those dependent on gas-based processes, are witnessing production cuts due to constrained energy supply, re..

Vedanta Expands Transgender Workforce to 75 Employees

Vedanta has strengthened its commitment to workplace inclusion by employing 75 transgender individuals across its businesses, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil & Gas. The initiative reflects sustained hiring efforts since 2022 to build equitable opportunities across operations, corporate and technical roles.Transgender employees are engaged in functions such as operations, finance, logistics, HR, CSR, healthcare and security, with provisions for internal mobility to support career progression. The company has implemented structured policies, includi..