The FASTag system 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.
But what is the technology behind this system? Why is it so successful, and how does it work? This blog aims to address these questions in detail.
How Does It Work: The Technology Behind FASTag
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.
This system replaces the manual collection of toll tax, making the process much easier for everyone.
Applying For and Recharging Your FASTag
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.
Benefits of Using FASTag
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
