National Highways Authority of India takes a decisive step to boost efficiency in electronic toll collection system
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented its ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ norm, marking a significant move towards enhancing the efficiency of toll collection on national highways. This initiative, effective from April 1, aims to address issues related to the misuse of FASTags and ensure smoother passage through toll plazas.
The decision to enforce the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule follows an extension of the compliance deadline to March-end, accommodating the concerns raised by Paytm FASTag users. NHAI officials emphasize that the use of multiple FASTags for a single vehicle or linking multiple FASTags to one vehicle will no longer be permissible.
“Multiple FASTags won’t work… People who have multiple FASTags for one vehicle won’t be able to use all of them from today (April 1),” stated a senior official from NHAI.
This initiative aligns with NHAI’s broader objective of streamlining the electronic toll collection system and ensuring a hassle-free experience for commuters. By discouraging the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles, or vice versa, NHAI aims to optimize the functionality of the FASTag system and minimize discrepancies in toll payment.
The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ policy is pivotal in the context of the Reserve Bank of India’s recent advisory to customers and merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to transition their accounts to other banks by March 15. With FASTag becoming increasingly integral to the toll payment ecosystem, ensuring adherence to regulatory norms is crucial for maintaining transparency and efficiency.
FASTag, an electronic toll collection system operated by NHAI, has witnessed remarkable adoption across the country, boasting a penetration rate of approximately 98 percent and serving over 8 crore users. Leveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, FASTag enables seamless toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings accounts, thereby expediting the toll collection process and reducing congestion at toll plazas.
As NHAI rolls out its ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative, it underscores the authority’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and fostering technological advancements in the transportation sector. By promoting adherence to standardized norms and leveraging digital solutions, NHAI endeavors to create a more efficient and traveler-friendly highway network across India.
