FASTag Is Mandatory From Jan 1, toll collection touches ₹80 crore a day

Implementation of FASTag is a step in the direction of providing a safe, smooth and seamless journey to commuters on national highways. With the FASTag becoming the mandatory from Jan 1, 2021, there has been gradual increase in the toll collection through this contactless mode. According to MoRTH, on Dec 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 NHAI has made all the necessary arrangements to provide seamless movement of vehicles at fee plazas. 

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.

It uses Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology that provides users a smooth and effortless cross-over at toll plazas without waiting/halting. 

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, this is a more practical and beneficial option.