Delhi Airport News
A new row has started at Delhi airport’s Terminal 3 (T3) over FASTag annual passes. Former Niti Aayog vice-chairperson Rajiv Kumar alleged that cars with annual FASTag passes were being stopped unless the main FASTag account had a balance. IHMCL, which functions under NHAI, has since told the bank concerned to stop such restrictions.
Kumar made the claim in a post on X. He said a new process had been introduced suddenly at the airport, with no prior notice and no explanation. According to him, cars carrying an annual FASTag pass were being denied entry unless the main account held a balance. Others were being asked to go to the parking area instead. He tagged NHAI and the Airports Authority of India in his post and called the move arbitrary.
IHMCL replied to Kumar that FASTag is a payment instrument for airport parking facilities. It said FASTag cannot be used to enforce entry restrictions. The agency has also told the bank concerned to stop such restrictions.
Many people drive to Terminal 3 every day to drop off or pick up family members and friends. An annual FASTag pass is meant to make travel easier by avoiding repeated payments. If cars with such a pass are stopped because the main account has no balance, drivers may face delays, confusion and extra cost. Without a clear notice, motorists would not know what to expect when they reach the airport.
The report does not say whether the airport operator has explained the new process. It also does not confirm how widely the problem occurred. Kumar’s claim is an allegation, and the airport operator’s side has not been shared in the report.
Motorists heading to T3 should keep some balance in their main FASTag account for now, to avoid trouble at the gate. If you are stopped despite having a valid annual pass, you can raise the issue with NHAI or IHMCL. Official updates are expected as the matter develops.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
