FASTags To Become Mandatory For All Vehicles From December 15

The National Highways Authority of India has made it mandatory for all vehicles plying on national highways to get a FASTag from December 15. The government says that with the implementation of FASTag, commuters on highways will not have to wait at toll plazas. Also, the usual scuffles that take place on toll booths can be avoided.

From December 15, 2019, all vehicles passing through toll plazas on national highways will have to get a tag-based on Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) technology. This service will begin at 12.30 a.m. on December 15.

The government says that with FASTag being made mandatory, people will not have to wait in long queues. Also, it will help save fuel and reduce pollution emanating from vehicles.

The most important thing is that this FASTag can also be purchased from private banks such as Axis, IDFC, HDFC and ICICI. Its maximum cost can be Rs 100 and commuters cannot keep more than Rs 20,000 per month in the FASTag prepaid wallet. A FASTag once issued remains activated for five years.

If a driver does not have FASTag on his vehicle, he will have to pay double the toll.

However, there are many difficulties with FASTag, such as the FASTag not being scanned properly, the FASTag being damaged or broken, or the commuter not being able to pay the toll despite having balance in the account. Due to such problems, people display scant trust in FASTag.

#FASTag has now been made mandatory from December 15 for toll payment on national highways for all vehicles. The government hopes this electronic mode of toll payment will reduce waiting time in toll gates for commuters. pic.twitter.com/QIh7R88PSR

— GoNewsIndia (@GoNews_India) December 14, 2019