FASTag, a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, implemented to collect toll charges electronically while the vehicle is in motion will be made mandatory for all vehicles from December 1. Users plying through FASTag-only lane will be charged double.
The RFID tag is fixed on a vehicle’s windscreen, linked to a prepaid or savings account. The toll is directly deducted once a vehicle passes through a National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) supported toll gate. Users get message updates about transactions and low balance.
The advantages – drivers do not have to stop, lowers congestion, cashless convenience and saves fuel as well.
The Union Transport Ministry has tied up with 23 banks to offer FASTags. Here’s how you can get one for your car.
450 toll booths are already integrated with this technology. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari compared FASTag to ‘Aadhaar’ for vehicles, and said approximately 10 lakh transactions are taking place via FASTags daily.
Apart from banks, FASTags are also available on PayTM and Amazon. SBI charges Rs 100 for all vehicles, along with a refundable security amount between Rs 200-400.
There is an app My FASTag where one can enter details such as vehicle registration number to enable the process.
The government is also providing a cashback of 2.5 per cent for FASTag customers.
