Are you tired of waiting in long queues at toll plazas during your road trips? Do you wish there were a more convenient way to pay tolls without the hassle of cash transactions? The Indian government has introduced an innovative solution called FASTag—a system that not only saves time but also simplifies the toll payment process for vehicle owners.
In this article, we take a closer look at FASTag—exploring the technology behind it, how it works, the advantages it offers, and all the essential details you need to know about this revolutionary electronic toll collection system.
Decoding the concept of FASTag: What FASTag means?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic deduction of toll charges from a prepaid account linked to the FASTag. This system aims to eliminate the need for cash transactions at toll plazas, reducing traffic congestion and waiting times.
FASTag is a small, reusable tag that is affixed on the windshield of your vehicle. It contains an embedded RFID chip and an antenna that communicates with the RFID readers installed at toll plazas. Each FASTag is linked to a prepaid account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted as your vehicle passes through the designated FASTag lanes at toll plazas.
The technology behind FASTag
To understand how FASTag works, let's take a closer look at the technology powering it. FASTag uses passive RFID technology, which means the tag does not require a battery to function. When a vehicle with an active FASTag approaches a toll plaza, the RFID reader mounted at the plaza emits radio waves that energise the tag's chip. The chip then transmits the encoded information back to the reader, including the vehicle and account details associated with the FASTag.
The RFID reader verifies the tag's authenticity and checks the linked prepaid account balance. If sufficient funds are available, the applicable toll amount is automatically deducted, and the vehicle is allowed to pass through seamlessly. This entire process takes just a few seconds, eliminating the need for manual cash transactions and significantly reducing waiting times at toll plazas.
How does a FASTag work at toll plazas?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what is FASTag and the technology behind it, let's understand the process of how it actually works at toll plazas:
1. Activation: Once you purchase a FASTag from an authorised issuer, you need to activate it by linking it to your prepaid account and registering your vehicle details.
2. Affixing the tag: The FASTag needs to be affixed on the windshield of your vehicle, usually behind the rear-view mirror, as per the instructions provided.
3. Approaching the toll plaza: As your vehicle approaches a FASTag-enabled toll plaza, it must enter the designated FASTag lane.
4. Automatic detection: The RFID reader installed at the toll plaza detects the FASTag affixed to your vehicle's windshield and reads the encoded information.
5. Toll deduction: If your FASTag account has sufficient balance, the applicable toll amount is automatically deducted, and the barrier at the toll plaza opens, allowing your vehicle to pass through.
6. Instant notification: You will receive an SMS notification on your registered mobile number, confirming the successful toll transaction and the updated account balance.
It's important to ensure that your FASTag is properly affixed and has sufficient balance to avoid any inconvenience at toll plazas. In case of insufficient funds or a non-functional tag, you may have to pay the toll amount in cash at the designated cash lanes.
Recharging your FASTag account
To keep your FASTag operational, you need to maintain a sufficient balance in the linked prepaid account. Recharging your FASTag account is a simple process and can be done through various methods:
1. Online recharge: Most issuer banks provide online recharge facilities through their websites or mobile apps. You can log in to your FASTag account and add funds using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI.
2. Point-of-sale recharge: You can visit the nearest authorised FASTag point-of-sale location, such as select bank branches or toll plazas, and recharge your account by paying cash or using a debit/credit card.
3. UPI recharge: Some issuer banks also allow recharge through UPI-enabled apps. You can link your FASTag account to your UPI ID and easily add funds whenever required.
It's advisable to maintain a sufficient balance in your FASTag account to ensure smooth toll transactions and avoid any inconvenience during your journey.
Benefits of using FASTag
Adopting FASTag for toll payments offers several advantages to vehicle owners:
1. Time-saving: With FASTag, you no longer need to stop and wait in long queues at toll plazas for cash transactions. The automatic toll deduction system significantly reduces waiting times, allowing you to breeze through toll plazas.
2. Fuel efficiency: Reduced waiting times at toll plazas also lead to better fuel efficiency. By avoiding stop-and-go traffic in cash lanes, you can save fuel and reduce your vehicle's carbon footprint.
3. Cashless convenience: FASTag eliminates the need to carry cash specifically for toll payments. The cashless transactions are not only convenient but also reduce the risk of handling and managing cash on the go.
4. Transparency and security: FASTag transactions are secure and transparent. You receive instant SMS notifications for every toll deduction, allowing you to keep track of your toll expenses and account balance.
5. Discounts and incentives: To encourage the adoption of FASTag, NHAI offers occasional discounts and cashback incentives to users. These offers can help you save money on your toll expenses in the long run.
Final thoughts
FASTag has revolutionised the way we pay tolls on Indian highways. By leveraging RFID technology, this electronic toll collection system offers a convenient, time-saving, and cashless solution for vehicle owners. With the government making FASTag mandatory for all vehicles, it is crucial to understand its functionality, benefits, and how to effectively use it.
By adopting FASTag, you can contribute to reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas, save time and fuel, and enjoy a seamless travel experience. So, if you haven't already, it's time to get your FASTag affixed and embrace the future of toll payments in India. While travelling a long distance, along with a FASTag, you should also get car insurance from Generali Central to protect your car from any damage during travel.
FAQs
1. Is FASTag mandatory for all vehicles in India?
Yes, as per the government's directive, FASTag is mandatory for all vehicles, including private and commercial vehicles, for toll payments on national highways.
2. Can I use my FASTag across different toll plazas?
Yes, FASTag is valid and can be used at all FASTag-enabled toll plazas across the country.
3. What if my FASTag is not detected at a toll plaza?
If your FASTag is not detected or read properly at a toll plaza, you will have to pay the toll amount in cash at the designated cash lane. Ensure that your FASTag is affixed correctly and has sufficient balance.
4. How can I check my FASTag account balance?
You can check your FASTag account balance by logging into your issuer bank's website or mobile app, visiting the nearest FASTag customer care centre, or giving a missed call to the designated number provided by your issuer bank.
5. What should I do if my FASTag is lost or damaged?
If your FASTag is lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your issuer bank to block the tag and request a replacement. You may have to submit a formal request along with the necessary documents to obtain a new FASTag.
