Now avoid long queues at tollbooths with 'FASTag' e-toll collection system

On National Highways, there’s a long queue at the tollbooth and this causes inconvenience to the people who’re on a tight schedule. Right from the shortage of loose cash to long queues, there’s been a debate over toll booths.

What's the story?

Now, people won’t have to wait to collect a receipt as the payment can be processed online. The Central Government has made it mandatory to use ‘FASTag’ service for four-wheelers.

This service has been brought into play by the government to tackle the problems mentioned above.

FASTag Stickers to be stuck on the windscreen

This service will be available at 370 tollbooths and Common Service Centers (CSC) Fast-Tag stickers will be available for people to stick it on the front of their vehicles. 

How does it work?

When a car reaches the tollbooth, a scanner will scan the sticker, which has a chip embedded inside it and the toll amount will be deducted from the account. The barrier will then open up and the vehicle will be allowed to go through. If there’s no money in the FASTag account, the barrier will remain shut. People can recharge the account online. 

What is FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. It is affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle and enables to drive through toll plazas without stopping for transactions. The tag can be purchased from official Tag issuers or participating Banks and if it is linked to a prepaid account, then recharging or top-up can be as per requirement. As per NHAI, FASTag has unlimited validity. 7.5 per cent cashback offers were also provided to promote the use of FASTag. Dedicated Lanes at some Toll plazas have been built for FASTag.