The Tamil Nadu Road Development Company Ltd will introduce smart card based monthly passes for cars on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Corridor), according to a press release from the company.

The company, which handles the operation and maintenance of the toll road, will introduce the smart cards from December 1 for Rs 800 which will allow the user 60 single trips per month. The pass is valid from the first day of the month to the month end and is transferable between cars to help commuters who change cars or car pool but cannot be used for bigger vehicles. This will help office goers and regular users avoid waiting at the toll gate.

But if the card buyers complete 60 trips before the month end, they will have to pay toll in cash for the rest of the month. Unused trips will lapse and cannot be carried forward.

Online purchase and recharge have been enabled (www.tnrdc.com/itel) and the card will be sent to the registered address by courier within 48 hours of purchase. The card can also be bought at the Seevaram Toll Plaza. The smart card will be issued free to customers till November 30, after which an administrative charge of Rs 200 will be levied.

Customers can get more information online or by calling 9600001051, 9840221215 or 9840721213.

Apart from the convenience of not waiting, the smart card represents cost benefit to regular users, particularly office goers who make one to and fro trip during the course of the day and do not use the IT corridor on weekly holidays.

Officials pointed out that as of now, there is only a monthly pass for Rs 1,450 which is vehicle-specific and not transferable. But pass holders can make any number of trips. Those paying toll daily have the option of buying a single use toll for Rs 19 or a return journey for Rs 35.

The toll road extends over a distance of about 20 km from Madhya Kailash southwards to Siruseri, which is the hub of IT companies and has seen tremendous residential development as well.

rbalaji@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW