How Will the FASTag System Help Reduce Delays and Fuel Costs?

India has embraced digitization with open arms, and the FASTag system is yet another example of it. FASTagmakes travel hassle-free as it enables electronic toll collection at toll plazas. This not only reduces the vehicular congestion at the toll plaza but, as a result, also helps in controlling air pollution to a certain extent.

Below is a quick guide on FASTag, and how it helps in reducing delays and fuel costs.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a user-friendly, prepaid tag that is pasted on the windshield of the vehicle. It uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for the deduction of toll charges.  The toll amount is debited from the prepaid account to which the FASTag is linked. Thus, the electronic payment allows vehicle owners to pass through the toll plaza without stopping for the cash transaction.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made it compulsory for all vehicles to have a FASTag from 16th February 2021, without which, vehicle owners are required to pay double the toll amount.

How does FASTag reduce delays and fuel costs?

A primary benefit of FASTag is that it reduces travel time as vehicles do not have to stop in long queues near the toll plaza. Consequently, it also helps in reducing fuel costs.

In one of his recent interactions with the media, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said thatFASTagshave significantly reduced delays at toll plazas, and it will help save Rs 20,000 crore per annum on fuel, he said.

Moreover, citing an example of how FASTag has helped in reducing congestion, he showed how delays at a Jaipur plaza were reduced to 5 minutes from earlier 30 minutes.

How to purchase and recharge FASTag?

Vehicle owners can either purchase FASTag offline by visiting any Point of Sale (POS) location at the toll plaza or can opt for online purchase with reputed banks such as Kotak Mahindra Bank.

In order to buy FASTag, vehicle owners must submit their FASTag application form along with the Registration Certificate of their vehicle and KYC documents depending upon the category of the vehicle owner. A Driving License (DL) would be sufficient for identity and address proof.

Moreover, FASTagsare easily rechargeable. Once the amount on FASTag is exhausted, it’s possible to recharge it online by using a credit card, debit card, NEFT/RTGS or Netbanking.The minimum recharge that can be made is of Rs. 100. Vehicle owners also receive SMS alerts in case of low balance, toll transactions, etc. This enables them to keep a track of their transactions easily.

Lastly, FASTag that is developed under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programmakes toll plaza management a hassle-free task by reducing human intervention. Purchasing a FASTag will not only make your travel smooth, but also save you from paying undue penalty. So, don’t hold back, purchase a FASTag at the earliest and bid goodbye to long queues at the toll plazas.