FASTag technology has significantly transformed toll payments in India, offering a more efficient and faster way to clear toll plazas. It has revolutionised how we pay toll taxes. With digitisation entering every field, collection of toll tax is no longer an exception.
FASTag is a tag on your vehicle which was made mandatory by the Government Of India. All four-wheeled vehicles need to have a FASTag to cross the National Highways of India (NHAI). That being said, if you still wish to pay the toll tax in cash, you will have to pay double the amount.
For frequent travelers, FASTag has become a crucial tool that simplifies long-distance road trips by eliminating the hassle of stopping at toll booths to make payments. With its widespread adoption, FASTag has emerged as a reliable cashless payment method, ensuring that drivers can move smoothly across highways without delays, contributing to an overall seamless travel experience.
FASTag was launched as an Electronic Toll Collection program. When you register for a FASTag, you get a FASTag card or tag. This tag has to be attached to your vehicle's windscreen at all times.
This system is used to deduct toll taxes in more than 600 toll plazas spread across the country.
The FASTag program employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. This system reads the tag on your vehicle. This tag is linked to your bank account or digital wallet.
When you approach a toll plaza, the RFID system detects the tag and automatically deducts the tax from your linked account or wallet. After the toll deduction, the toll booth automatically opens to let you pass through it.
Also Read --> All About FASTag in India
This system replaces the manual collection of toll tax, making the process much easier for everyone.
The National Payment Corporation Of India or NPCI, along with the NHAI has authorised around 23 banks to operate the FASTag system. You can visit a bank that issues FASTag to register for it.
Alternatively, you can visit the bank's website or other online portals to avail of the FASTag for your four-wheeler. After purchasing the FASTag, you need to activate it by either using the 'My FASTag' application or from other online portals such as the PARK+ website and app.
You can also visit a Point of Sale (POS) centre at toll plazas to register for FASTag.
Upon activation, you can easily use FASTag to pay toll tax. Whenever you visit the toll plaza, make sure to recharge the FASTag sufficiently to make the payment. Post a toll tax deduction, you can again recharge your FASTag balance or top-up your FASTag card.
Your FASTag is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
But what is the technology behind this system? Why is it so successful, and how does FASTag work? Let's explore the working.
How FASTag Works?
For those wondering how FASTag works, the system leverages the simplicity of RFID technology. The RFID tag contains electronically stored information that is unique to the vehicle. When the vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the system automatically recognizes the tag, verifies the necessary details, and deducts the appropriate toll amount from the linked account. It also sends a confirmation message to the registered mobile number, ensuring that the driver is aware of the transaction in real-time.
In addition to these benefits, FASTag enables users to recharge their accounts online, further adding to its convenience. Through buy FASTag online services, customers can easily purchase the tag from authorized banks or service providers. Once acquired, recharge FASTag online facilities are available, making it a hassle-free solution for regular commuters.
Overall, FASTag has revolutionized toll payment systems in India, ensuring faster and more convenient travel experiences on national highways. Whether you're traveling daily for work or embarking on long road trips, understanding how FASTag works can save you significant time, effort, and fuel costs.
It’s an ingenious system that makes toll payments quicker and more convenient through the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Each FASTag is uniquely linked to a vehicle and associated with either a prepaid balance or a connected bank account. When your vehicle approaches a toll plaza, the RFID reader automatically detects the FASTag sticker placed on your windshield. Within seconds, the system deducts the toll fee from your linked account, allowing you to pass through seamlessly without stopping.
Why Do We Need FASTag?
With an expanding road network and increasing vehicle traffic, the need for a more efficient toll payment system has become apparent. Stopping at toll booths to make manual payments leads to delays, traffic congestion, and wasted fuel. FASTag addresses these issues by providing a streamlined, automated solution that enhances the overall travel experience for millions of commuters. Shorter wait times, contactless payments, and wider acceptance across national and state highways make FASTag an essential tool for modern road travel.
In addition to improving convenience for drivers, FASTag also aligns with the government’s push for a cashless economy. The automated toll collection system encourages digital transactions, reducing the need for cash handling and promoting transparency. By making toll payments faster, easier, and more secure, FASTag not only saves time but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient road network.
You can easily purchase FASTag through authorized service providers or buy FASTag online and recharge FASTag online to ensure you always have a balance for hassle-free toll payments. This simple yet impactful technology has revolutionized road travel in India, making long waits at toll plazas a thing of the past.
Here are the prime benefits of using FASTag:
The automatic toll collection system is highly beneficial in terms of saving a lot of time waiting for your turn in long queues. Within seconds, you can get your FASTag detected.
Since you don't have to wait for your turn, you also end up saving your fuel.
The electronic system eliminates the need for a hard copy of toll receipts. This saves a lot of paperwork and is healthy for the environment.
It becomes convenient for you to track your toll tax payments as you can get notifications via email or SMS about the transactions.
You can also enjoy amazing cashback and purchase options, regardless of whether you purchased the FASTag online or offline.
You can easily recharge your FASTag on the go whenever you want. The recharge process is simple, quick and hassle-free.
Also Read --> How to Check FASTag Transactions?
Final Thoughts on How FASTag Works?
The FASTag technology is highly beneficial to all, especially if you are someone who travels frequently. This system has replaced the conventional method of toll collection with a much faster and more efficient toll collection process.
To further ease the process of registering and recharging your FASTag, just visit the Park+ website or download the Park+ app. You can visit the website to learn more about FASTag and the many offers that Park+ provides customers upon registration. Embrace the digital revolution of toll with Park+ today.
Park+ offers a reliable and user-friendly FASTag service that streamlines everything from registration to recharging. Through the Park+ app, you can effortlessly manage your FASTag account, track toll payments, and receive real-time balance alerts. This level of convenience ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience at toll booths, making Park+ an excellent choice for frequent travelers or anyone looking to simplify their toll payment process. Whether you're on a long road trip or commuting daily, Park+ helps you stay on top of your toll payments without any stress.