With the FASTag becoming the mandatory from January 1, 2021, there has been gradual increase in the toll collection through this contactless mode. According to MoRTH, on December 24, the transaction done via FASTag crossed Rs 80 crore with a record 50 Lakh FASTag transactions in a day.
With FASTag being mandatory for vehicles from 1st January, 2021, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made all the necessary arrangements to provide seamless movement of vehicles at fee plazas, said a statement.
Adoption of FASTag has helped highway users to save time and fuel at the toll plazas. The digital transaction has got necessary push through the recent amendment in Central Motor Vehicle Rules.
FASTag is easily available at over 30,000 points of sale (PoS) across the country and mandatorily available at the NHAI toll plazas. It is also available online through Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal.
The programme has partnered with 27 issuer banks and has included several options to simplify its recharge facilities such as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Unified Payment Interface (UPI), online payments, My FASTag mobile app, Paytm, Google pay and others. Besides, a cash recharge facility is also being provided at PoS at toll plazas for the convenience of users.
FASTag uses Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology that provides users a smooth and effortless cross-over at toll plazas without waiting/halting. The payment is made digitally through the FASTag linked to the bank wallet.
As social distancing has become the new norm, commuters are increasingly looking at FASTag as a toll payment option as it nullifies the chances of any human contact between the drivers and the toll operators. Being an inclusive technological tool for toll collection on highways, FASTag is a more practical and beneficial option.
Implementation of FASTag is a step in the direction of providing a safe, smooth and seamless journey to commuters on national highways.
