There are more than 1,192 functional toll plazas on National Highways in the country. Earlier, you had to wait in long queues at toll plazas. However, the introduction of the National Electronic Toll Collection program, an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution, has significantly reduced the wait times at toll booths. FASTag, which uses Radio Frequency Identification technology, allows customers to make toll payments while the car is still in motion. This has reduced the average waiting time by a staggering 93% — from 714 seconds pre-FASTag to 47 seconds!
This highlights the impact of FASTag, as all the toll plazas on National Highways and select toll booths on State Highways have been added to the FASTag network. This essentially implies that you can pay toll charges digitally by affixing this RFID tag to your car’s windshield. You won’t have to worry about carrying physical cash, and at the same time, you save time and fuel.
FASTag – How it works
FASTag uses radio frequency identification technology to make toll payments directly from the prepaid card or account linked to the FASTag. As the vehicle approaches a toll plaza, the scanner (RFID reader) placed near the toll booth scans the FASTag on the four-wheeler’s windshield. This allows the driver to pass through the toll booth without stopping the vehicle, while the toll fee is deducted automatically from the linked account.
You can purchase FASTag from several issuing member banks and NBFCs. At the same time, you can seamlessly top-up the FASTag balance using various payment methods, including UPI, net banking, credit cards, and debit cards.
Features of FASTag
- Wide coverage and interoperability: All the toll booths on National Highways across the nation and select toll plazas on State Highways have been added to the FASTag network. The interoperability ensures that you can make toll payments at all the toll booths, regardless of who the operator may be.
- Cashless payments: The toll charge gets deducted automatically from the linked digital wallet. You won’t have to provide physical cash at any of the toll plazas, which enhances convenience.
- Instant alerts: You will receive instant SMS alerts on your linked mobile number once the amount gets deducted from the account or digital wallet.
- Seamless recharges: You can top-up your digital wallet or account effortlessly by using your preferred payment method.
- Online management: You can keep track of all the toll transactions, download statements, and manage your FASTag account online through apps or dedicated portals.
How to use FASTag at toll plazas
Here’s how you can make toll payments using FASTag.
- Step 1: Head towards the toll plaza lane earmarked for FASTag users.
- Step 2: Slow down as you approach the toll gate and proceed in the FASTag lane.
- Step 3: The scanner (RFID reader) at the toll plaza will scan your FASTag automatically and deduct the toll fee from your prepaid wallet or account.
- Step 4: You will receive a notification regarding the amount deducted. You can proceed towards your destination.
However, there are a few important aspects you must keep in mind:
- Ensure that the FASTag is properly affixed to your windshield. If needed, you can buy cleaning supplies or adhesives from online marketplaces or offline stores. This ensures the FASTag is scanned properly.
- You must also maintain an adequate balance in your prepaid wallet or account. Failure to do so can result in your FASTag getting blacklisted. You can also face other penalties or fines.
- Follow all the updates and stay abreast of the new rules and changes. New guidelines were provided in 2024, and it is important that you update your FASTag every five years.
How FASTag benefits toll operators
For toll operators, the FASTag system streamlines and simplifies toll collection while reducing operating costs and manual work. FASTag also improves audit control without any chances of manipulation. Another benefit of FASTag lies in the faster movement of vehicles on highways, as it improves the network’s capacity without requiring additional infrastructure.
Conclusion
The electronic toll payment system provides several benefits to customers and the government, as it improves transparency at toll booths without any scope for corruption. Users can seamlessly pay toll charges without stopping their vehicles for extended periods, resulting in enhanced convenience and greater fuel savings. The government has also made it mandatory for four-wheelers to use FASTag to make toll payments. Aspects like online account management, environmental friendliness, and nationwide acceptance make FASTag an essential tool for all commuters.
