Card swipe hiccups turn e-way toll-free in rush hour

GURUGRAM: Two days after toll collection resumed at Kherki Daula, commuters were given free passage during the morning rush hour on Monday to avoid tailbacks as several point of sale (PoS) machines, installed to encourage cashless transactions, did not function properly.
“As the volume of traffic was very high, it led to long queues. Technical problems with the PoS machines and lack of change while accepting cash payments resulted in the traffic snarls.So it was decided to allow free passage to vehicles,” a toll booth employee said.
Many commuters complained that PoS machines were taking longer than usual to respond. “We had thought that the machines would ensure fast collection of fees at the booth, but that wasn’t the case. However, a swipe-in transaction through PoS machines was taking more than two to three minutes. It led to tailbacks at Kherki Daula. Cash transaction, on the other hand, was affected by lack of small change,” said Sukhi Ram, a commuter. However, the situation turned better by evening.
“Free passage was allowed for a short while in the morning to prevent congestion. Most PoS machines are working and we have also made 90% collection today,” said Ashok Sharma, an NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) official.
According to the data provided by the authorities, 49,709 vehicles crossed Kherki Daula toll plaza from 12 midnight to 4pm on Monday. However, only 999 PoS transactions could take place.