SUMMARY
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system run by NHAI
Vehicle owners can now recharge their FASTags on the go and avoid queues at toll plazas
The deadline for mandatory FASTag was extended by a month from December 15, 2019
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Customers can recharge FASTags through BHIM UPI, announced the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Thursday (December 26).
“Customers can now recharge their FASTag account hassle-free through BHIM UPI enabled mobile applications just by logging into the BHIM app,” NPCI said in a statement. The FASTag technology mainly aims at ensuring NHAI continues to decongest tolls but it also helps the body make a profit with seamless collections
National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) is a program designed to meet the electronic tolling needs of the Indian market.
The customers have to follow the steps below:
- Login to BHIM UPI App
- Select Send Option
- Enter NETC FASTag UPI ID which will be –netc.(VehicleNumber)@BankUPIHandle
- Click Verify UPI Id
- Enter the desired recharge amount
- Enter the pin to authenticate the transaction
- Customers will receive an SMS confirming them of the credit to their FASTag wallet
“Consumer experience with NETC FASTag is our primary focus. We believe that this facility would give them a smooth, secure and transparent toll payments experience just by using any of the UPI enabled mobile applications,” said Praveena Rai, CEO, NPCI in a statement.
How FASTag Ensures Decongestion Of Tolls
FASTag, an electronic toll collection system run by NHAI, deploys radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. The data-intrusive centralised system ensures seamless traffic and prevents congestion at toll plazas by allowing automatic deduction of toll charges.
The tag is fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle and allows users to drive through toll plazas without stopping for transactions. Once the vehicle crosses a toll, the user will receive an SMS with details of deduction. Around 7.5% cashback offers were also provided to promote the use of FASTag.
FASTag was initially made mandatory on national highways throughout the country from December 15, 2019. The deadline for mandatory FASTag was then extended by a month.
The first day of introduction, which is December 15, saw more than half the commuters using it. Despite the average waiting time increasing by two minutes on day one, almost 50% of the collection was done through FASTags and there were around 19.5 lakh transactions.
FASTag can be bought through Amazon, Paytm, and Airtel app and is valid for five years. It can also be bought at point of sale (PoS) locations set up by 23 banks and the NHAI at Road Transport Authority offices, transport hubs, bank branches, and select petrol pumps.
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