The initiative of NHAI – FASTag, works on the technology of radio frequency identification (RFID)-based electronic toll collection system. It was introduced in 2014 to ease toll payments immediately while traveling in a car. FASTag stickers are placed on the vehicle’s windscreen, linked to the owner’s prepaid account, allowing automatic toll collection through the associated bank account. The government made FASTag operations mandatory at all NHAI toll booths across India. Gradually, nearby agents at toll plazas, public and private-sector Indian banks, and digital payment platforms like Paytm started selling tags & the FASTag portal registration.
FASTag works with an online model where vehicle owners are required to slow down while crossing a toll plaza, and the scanner detects a FASTag sticker for automatic toll deduction. It is a cost-effective solution that only takes seconds & makes the toll collection convenient.
Place a FASTag Correctly
It is important to note that FASTag is attached to the four-wheeler’s windscreen front area, making it easily scannable. Starting with the process, first, clean the whole screen without leaving it damp or filthy. Place the FASTag in the middle of the windshield. Remember not to paste the stickers inside the car, as it might hamper the scan.
While buying the FASTag sticker, check the adhesive on the tag; if it is insufficient, do not place the sticker; instead, ask for another one. The additional adhesive doesn’t work for FASTags stickers & it is recommended never to take off or reposition the tags.
Moving to the perfect place to paste the FASTag, it should be placed directly behind the rearview mirror over the upper windscreen inside the vehicle. If there is not enough space, it can be pasted on the slightly left side towards the passenger seat. Also, vehicle owners should ensure that the FASTags are not stuck on the metal plates as it can interfere with the radio communication mechanism.
How Do FASTags Work After Placing them on Vehicles?
Here is the process overview to know the steps of how FASTag helps with toll payment across toll plazas:
- After FASTag portal registration, it is linked to an account that can be recharged through prepaid plans.
- Toll operators use Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology to deduct the toll money automatically from the prepaid account associated.
- Vehicles stop at the toll plazas, and the technology directly scans the stickers & deducts the toll charges instantly. There is no need to wait for long hours in the queue.
- FASTag Portal eases the tracking of each transaction & brings more transparency to the payments. Users will get SMS alerts & invoice details on the registered email or mobile number to keep track of the transactions.
Buying & Recharge of FASTags
For smooth issuance of FASTag services, multiple Indian banks provide the facility to complete registration. New tags can be applied using these banks’ net banking or mobile applications. It also facilitates recharging your wallet using internet banking, NEFT or RTGS, UPI, Debit, or credit card. Fast & easy recharge ensures a seamless driving experience, as multiple online payment modes are available.
After logging into registered applications, users can track different details, like balance checks, payment histories, transactions, and others. Most popular public banks like State Bank of India or Punjab National Bank & private banks Axis Bank, ICICI, or IDFC First Bank offer the facility to apply for the FASTag issuance.
Significant Impacts of FASTag Technology
FASTag improves the toll operations & contributes to the initiative of NHAI. Let’s look at the best transformations FASTags have made that support toll operators & vehicle owners to ease their toll collection and payment transactions:-
- It significantly reduces the congestion & traffic jams across the toll plazas, eliminating long queues.
- The technology provides the ease of online payments to ensure a stress-free driving experience without carrying cash everywhere.
- The FASTag portal keeps track of all the transactions for users to bring more transparency for toll charges bifurcation & details.
- FASTags come with a five-year validity period, eliminating the need to re-activate the tag frequently.
- Easy recharges or top-ups using online payment modes like UPI, Debit cards, and net banking. Monthly passes are available for users who travel occasionally.
- It contributes to the development of the Digital India movement to make the process paperless & even cashless.
- The FASTag portal registration process is simple & doesn’t take long; it can be completed under any FASTag agent or official website.
Wrapping Up
FASTags have revolutionized toll collection by eliminating inconvenience & transforming the process into digital mode. Passengers have accepted and cooperated with the initiative as it brings more comfort & hassle-free travel experience.
Users can take the help of FASTag service providers like SiOnline for the FASTag portal registration. It provides a lot of benefits, such as easy recharges, digital payments, and track records. Users are required to be aware of fraud agents & be cautious, and keep in mind the above points while purchasing & applying stickers. Overall, brings the best features & advantages to join the initiative of seamless toll transactions.
