Last updated on December 26, 2019
Gone are the days when toll plazas were found choc-o-block with vehicles waiting for their turn to pay their toll charges. Massive jams and a snail-paced journey across highways are fast becoming a thing of the past. The Government has taken various steps to make highway journeys faster and convenient than ever. Fastags is one of the steps that is expected to revolutionize the way people travel. Here, we bring you a brief introduction to Fastag and how it can benefit frequent travelers.
Facts about Fastag
Cashless Deduction of Toll Money- For the uninitiated, a Fastag is a reloadable tag that allows a vehicle to pass through the toll gates without stopping for the payment and automatically deducts toll charges. Cashless payment has been made possible by using RFID or Radio Frequency Identification Technology. A prepaid account is linked with Fastag and money is automatically deducted from the account as the vehicle passes through a toll gate. So, there is no stopping or waiting.
No Waiting- RFID Technology works like a breeze. This tag is fixed to the vehicle windscreen. The toll gates have RFID antenna in the canopy that scans the tag identification number and the QR Code which then allows the boom barrier to lift above allowing a vehicle to pass through quickly.
Validity- It is significant to note that this tag has unlimited validity. The unspent amount is carried forward and the balance amount is non-lapsable.
Categories- It is available in seven colours, each assigned to a specific vehicle category. These are black, blue, pink, green, yellow, orange, and violet colours.
Cap on Maximum Balance- Fastag users can keep certain amount in their prepaid wallets and there is a cap on the maximum limit. The account holders with limited KYC Fastag cannot have more than Rs. 20, 000 in their prepaid wallet. The reload limit to be paid monthly can also be not more than Rs. 20, 000. Account holders with full KYC Fastag can have not more than Rs. 1 Lakh in their prepaid account. As per Indian Highways Management Company Limited, there is not monthly reload limit in this account.
Separate Fastags for different vehicles- If a person owns two or more vehicles, he needs to get Fastag for each vehicle separately.
Concessions to be availed- People who reside 10 km radius of the toll plaza can avail a toll concession that is paid via Fastag. The Fastag user need to submit documents like nearest POS location, proof of residence at the bank to validate his residence with 10 kms of the toll plaza. Once the verification of the address is complete, the toll concession is paid via Fastag assigned to the vehicle.
SMS Alerts- As soon as the Fastag user crosses a toll plaza, the money will be deducted from his linked account and he will get a SMS alert on the registered mobile number.
Penalty- Vehicles crossing toll plazas without Fastag will have to cough up double the toll charges as penalty paid in cash.
How to Get a Fastag?
The Government of India has made it mandatory for using Fastag on highways to pay toll charges. Earlier, the last date of compliance was 15thDecember 2019 but now it has been extended by a month. If you have yet not started the process of getting a Fastag, now is the time to begin and we will tell you how to do it.
Online way to get Fastag
Several bank websites, Flipkart, Amazon, and digital wallets like Paytm Wallets are the best online platforms to get a Fastag.
Offline Way to get Fastag
People who wish to buy Fastag using an offline method can visit a Point of Sale or POS locations that have been issued by Certified banks. These are located at the sales offices of banks and at toll plazas. Common Service Centers of Toll Operators at Plazas also sell Fastags. Some regional NHAI offices and petrol pumps are also selling Fastags.
Documents to be Submitted
When buying this prepaid rechargeable tag, you need to note that it is going to be linked to your account, thus, it is imperative to submit documents like an application for Fastag purchase and the Registration Certificate of the vehicle.
Cost of Fastag
Each Fastag costs Rs. 100 but now it is been given away for free. Besides this, the buyer needs to deposit Rs 200 as security money. There is a discount of Rs. 150 on NHAI Tags. The minimal top up is Rs 200 and later, the user can top up his tag.
Topping up of Fastag
Users can easily top up their tags by linking their tags with their bank accounts or a digital wallet like Paytm. Various channels can be used to top up NEFT, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, Cheque, RTGS, and UPI. In some cases, like NHAI Tags,the users need to download My Fastag App in Android mobile and link the same with a digital wallet or bank account.
Using Fastags is going to change the way people travel on highways. Cashless toll payments will become a reality. Traffic will be faster and smoother, and chances of jams will be next to negligible. The deployed RFID has a range of six meters which means that to get the tag scanned, the vehicle will have to slow down its speed a little. The largest beneficiary of Fastag will be enjoyed b commercial vehicles like trucks and taxis as they can move past toll barrier in no time. Private vehicles will also find a faster movement at toll plazas saving them a lot of time and hassle.
Users buying Fastags are set to enjoy 5 percent refunds on total toll paid in a specific month.
India is soon going to experience faster and efficient movement on its highways like what we see in foreign countries. This technology is going to make a sea change in vehicular traffic on highways. Zipping through the tools will be a reality.
