New Delhi: A message has been circulating on social networking sites such as Facebook and messaging service WhatsApp for the last two days citing “benefits” of keeping toll gate receipts. The message states that toll gate receipts can help one receive assistance during a medical emergency or refuel a vehicle.
The message chain reads: “What do you do with the receipts you receive in the toll gates? The receipts… are not only to cross the toll gates.
What else is it for?
1. During medical emergency you can call the phone number given on the other side of the receipt. Ambulance will arrive within 10 minutes of your call.
2. If your vehicle has some issue your wheel has got punctured you can call the other number mentioned there and you will get assistance in10 minutes.
3. If you are running out of fuel you will be supplied with 5 or 10 litres of petrol or Diesel very soon. You can pay them for the fuel supplied and get it.
All these services are included in the money you pay at the toll gates. Many people do not have this information and we unnecessarily go through the pain during such situations. Please share this message with all your friends and family.”
Messages about toll charges and receipts have been used previously too, like the one that claimed one doesn’t need to pay charges during a 12-hour journey.
Rumour mongering
Social media sites Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter have been flooded with messages about toll receipts. Some of these have also left Twitterati in splits. A few have even supported the misinformation, retweeting it with their two bits of information.
No agenda, motto or reason has been found behind this hoax.
Also read: Media literacy, awareness — the ways to counter fake news in India: Pamposh Raina
False claims, says NHAI
A National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said the information circulated is “completely false”.
The details mentioned in the message are false too. For assistance during medical emergencies, 112 is the pan-India number. For tyre puncture or car maintenance, one can contact RESCUE 24*7 Road assistance.
Also read: Facebook, Instagram like ‘weird rabbit holes’ — social media anxiety is real & here to stay
In collaboration with SMHoaxslayer
On the back of toll plaza receipts, energy medical services, vehicle servicing services, and liquid fuel, in 5 litre cans, all services at cost was available, on the stretch of highway, till next toll plaza in the past, some 30 year ago.
If it doesn’t cover cost of medical services,and other emergency services ,it is unfortunate,by charging a few Rs,and the extent of vehicles crossing,it can easily cover not only emergency services,medical,and insurance.
Will govt take cognizance.
It would be sensible to start such services… Considering the revenues they get. In addition of centralized numbers.. Toll station should also have such service which will help someone in nick of time…