New Delhi: Are you planning a road trip? Now note that you will need a FASTag for your car mandatorily if you are on a trip and crossing any toll plazas around all national highways in India, from February 15.
The new toll system would be compulsory for paying at toll plazas and enable contactless as well as digital payments for tolls. This is part of the Central government's push for digital payments and also quicker contactless payments at plazas to decrease long lines.
Advantages of FASTag
As per the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008, there are lanes reserved exclusively for FASTag users at toll plazas. Once your vehicle reaches the line, the FASTag is detected by the machine installed overhead, the payment is made smartly without any contact. The process hardly takes minute and you are on your way.
The government push towards digital payments at toll plazas around India is multi-pronged. The also advantages of FASTags is it reduces cash handling. It also gives authorities running toll plazas to allow better transparency in the system.
Also, the lesser time you spend at a toll stops, you waste less fuel just waiting there for long and it helps to reduce pollution.
Charges for FASTag
FASTag has a one-time fee of Rs. 200, a Reissuance fee of Rs 100 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200. One must note that the security deposit may vary depending on type of vehicle. The MRP of FASTag is Rs 500, inclusive of all taxes.
