If you frequently travel on highways in India, you must have heard of FASTag. It is a device affixed to your vehicle's windshield and enables automatic toll payment at toll booths.
With FASTag, you no longer have to stop and pay cash at toll plazas, as the toll amount is deducted from your linked bank account or wallet. This saves time and promotes digital transactions and cashless payments, which are the need of the hour in India.
FASTag offers benefits like cashback and discounts on toll payments, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers. Overall, FASTag has revolutionized the way toll payments are made in India and made it easier for people to travel without hassle.
Importance of digitisation of payments in India
India has seen a significant shift towards digital payments in recent years.
One of the biggest advantages of digitisation is convenience. Gone are the days when people had to stand in long queues to withdraw or deposit cash. With digital payments, all it takes is a few taps on a smartphone, and the transaction is complete. This has not only made life easier for consumers but has also helped businesses save time and money.
Another advantage of digitisation is that it has made transactions more secure. With cash transactions, there is always a risk of theft or loss. However, with digital payments, the chances of fraud are significantly reduced.
Digitisation has also helped promote financial inclusion in India. With the rise of mobile banking and digital wallets, people in remote areas can now access banking services without having to travel long distances. This has not only made banking more accessible but has also helped bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
How FASTag works
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India that has revolutionized the way people pay toll fees while travelling. It is a prepaid and rechargeable tag that needs to be affixed on the windshield of the vehicle. It works by using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate with the tag affixed to the vehicle.
The tag contains a unique identification number that is linked to a prepaid account. As the vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the system automatically deducts the toll fee from the account
Once installed, vehicles with FASTag do not have to stop at toll plazas and can pass through them without any hassle.
Benefits of using FASTag
Using a FASTag comes with several benefits:
Saves time at toll plazas by enabling cashless transactions.
Reduction in traffic congestion at toll plazas.
Increases transparency and accountability in toll collection.
Eliminates the need for carrying cash or change for toll payments.
Helps in reducing air pollution and fuel consumption by reducing idling time at toll plazas.
Can be recharged online or through mobile apps, making it convenient for users.
Improved road infrastructure and maintenance due to increased revenue from tolls.
What are the documents required to purchase a FASTag?
Getting a FASTag is an easy process. You need to present the following documents when purchasing your new FASTag:
Copy of Registration Certificate (RC) of the Vehicle.
Proof of Identity such as a Passport, Aadhar Card, Driver's License, or Voter ID.
A passport-size photograph of the owner of the vehicle.
Is FASTag mandatory?
Yes. As of 16th February 2021, FASTag has been made mandatory by the Indian Government.
Conclusion: FASTag is the Present and the Future
In conclusion, the implementation of FASTag has revolutionized the way toll payments are made in India. The government's push towards digital transactions and cashless payments has been further boosted by the use of this technology.
FASTag has not only reduced traffic congestion at toll plazas but also helped in curbing corruption and increasing transparency in the toll collection process. Its ease of use and convenience have made it a popular choice among commuters and transporters alike. With the increasing adoption of FASTag, India is well on its way to becoming a truly digital and cashless economy.
For more information regarding FASTag, or to recharge your existing FASTag, check out the FASTag section of the Park+ website or download the Park+ app.