FASTag Program - Everything You Need To Know
FASTag has brought lots of benefits for the general public as well as official authorities. Explore FASTag benefits, cost, application process and required documents list.
In order to maintain a seamless flow of motor vehicles on national highways, the National Highway Authority of India has come up with an effective way of collecting toll - FASTag. It is a device that will let the drivers pass through the toll plaza without waiting in a queue for so long. It allows the drivers to make cashless transactions without stopping at the point.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic reloadable tag that helps the government to deduct the toll charges automatically. It allows the vehicle to easily move through the toll plaza without making any transactions in cash. It employs RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to make the transactions. The payment gets deducted directly from the prepaid account linked with it. The card is affixed with the windscreen of the motor vehicle.
The FASTag devices are prepaid and can be recharged again and again for paying the tolls. The balance on the device does not have an expiry date. The same device can be used for a lifetime unless it get scratched and is hard to read at the toll stations.
In 2021, it'll soon be difficult to drive a car without FASTag and car insurance. By 1 January 2021, all four-wheelers owners must have to get a FASTag.
Vehicle/Car owners who'll submit an application for car insurance will have to put details of their FASTag. FASTag will assist the government to identify either the vehicle is with or without insurance. For 3rd party insurance policy, it'll be compulsory to give FASTag details.
Benefits of FASTag
The government of India have introduced this new method of collecting toll tax so that the users can enjoy some additional benefits.
- Convenience to Drivers
One of the most amazing benefits of this electronic system is that the drivers no more need to stand in long queues to pay the toll tax. Through this new system, people can save time and get a comfortable experience while transacting in highways without waiting for a long time. The system will also lead to creating less traffic jams.
- Eradication of Corruption
The RFID system will eventually tame the employees and companies who used to take unnecessary advantage at the toll booth by tampering the systems at the booth. Now, there will not be any cash in hand system. All the money collected through the device will be either sent directly to the government authority or the organisation taking charge of it. There will not be any interference of people in between.
- Safety of Payment
This system of tax payment is secure for both payer and collector. People will pay the right amount at all the tax booths and not the amount asked by the toll officers. The entire system is layered with the secure billing process. The taxpayer will receive constant updates on their registered phone number.
- Reduced Criminal Activities
It is hard to surpass the digital system, therefore the criminals will not be able to create a mishap. The Electronic Toll Collection saves the details of all the vehicles automatically in the server the moment they cross the toll plaza. If a criminal activity takes place, the vehicle can be traced easily and further information can be collected accordingly.
How to Get a FASTag?
A vehicle owner first needs to buy a FASTag from any toll plaza across India by providing the necessary documents. Currently, many banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, as well as online portals like Airtel Payments Bank and Paytm Payments Bank act as official Toll Transaction Acquirer. One of the greatest advantages of buying it through the bank is that you will not face the hustle of linking it with your account as it comes pre-linked.
How Much Does a FASTag Cost?
The price of your FASTag depends on the vendor you are going to get it from. For example, the price of FASTag on PayTm is around Rs. 500. It includes Rs. 100 for the tag, Rs. 250 as the refundable deposit and the remaining Rs. 150 as a balance. Whereas, HDFC bank will cost you around Rs.400 which includes Rs. 100 for the tag, Rs 100 for reissuing fee and rest Rs. 200 as the security deposit.
The frequent travellers need to maintain a sufficient balance. You can simply visit the payment system of the bank who have issued the FASTag and recharge it. If you have bought it through online portals you can simply link it from the account so that the transaction can be made directly through your account. The government of India has also provided ‘My FASTag’ app through which you can recharge your FASTag using UPI payment interface.
Documents Required to Get a FASTag
A FASTag account can be generated in any Point of Sale location situated near Toll plazas or Issuer Agencies. The customers are required to show the following documents at the time of application:
- Passport size photograph of the vehicle owner.
- Certificate of registration of the vehicle.
- KYC documents for Individual/Corporate vehicle owners.
- ID proof and address proof such as PAN Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID Card and Aadhar Card.
Conclusion
FASTag has brought lots of benefits for the general public as well as official authorities. It has been possible due to digital advancements. It is a great step towards the healthy future of the nation.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
