India’s highways are one of the busiest in the world, with millions of vehicle owners utilizing them daily. The toll collection process has long been a concern for such travelers, often leading to long queues and delays. However, with the introduction of FASTag, the toll collection system in India has experienced a huge transformation.
FASTag enables automated toll payments and lets you pass through toll plazas without stopping for transactions. All you need to do is get a FASTag, load it with sufficient balance, affix it on your vehicle’s windscreen, and pass through toll plazas – your FASTag wallet will automatically be debited with appropriate toll charges each time you cross a toll plaza.
Aside from being required for all four-wheelers, here are four additional reasons to purchase a FASTag immediately.
1. FASTag can be used for parking payments at selected locations
Earlier, parking costs at airports, malls, and various commercial complexes had to be paid with cash or credit/debit cards. Now, parking fees can be paid through FASTag at selected parking centers across key metros, including Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. When you approach a FASTag-enabled parking facility, the appropriate amount will be deducted from your FASTag account. It brings greater convenience to customers and helps improve efficiency in parking resource management. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly since there’s no need for paper receipts.
2. Easy online recharge
The FASTag recharge online process is fast and simple. You can restore your FASTag account online within a few minutes through channels such as Net Banking (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS), credit/debit cards, UPI apps like BHIM / Google Pay / PhonePe, etc. You can even set up Auto Recharge by setting Standing Instructions (SI), where the recharge will happen automatically when the FASTag balance falls below a certain threshold limit.
3. SMS alerts for all transactions
You will get regular alerts on your registered mobile number whenever you use FASTag. Furthermore, most banks and FASTag issuers provide an online customer portal to view account history, check balances, and more.
4. FASTag is environment friendly
Given the current state of climate change, it is important to find ways to reduce carbon footprints. FASTag helps the environment by reducing fuel consumption and emissions by eliminating long queues at toll plazas. This helps reduce air pollution caused by vehicles idling at toll plazas and unnecessarily burning fuel. Moreover, FASTag removes the need for receipts. This saves paper and reduces the amount of ink and toner used.
Closing thoughts
If you don’t have a FASTag, you will be charged double the toll fee and waste time waiting in queues at the toll plazas. So you must apply for FASTag without any further delay.
You can purchase it offline at NETC-operated toll plazas or online through several authorized issuers. You must provide basic information, including your vehicle’s registration number and KYC/address details, and link the FASTag to a prepaid wallet or savings account. Once done, you can enjoy the convenience of driving through toll plazas without any delay.
