NHAI indicated that FASTag clients are unaffected by the most recent circular issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
According to NHAI, the NPCI circular's goal is to assist Issuer Banks and Acquirer Banks in resolving disagreements regarding a vehicle's FASTag status while it travels through a toll plaza. By preventing delays that can annoy drivers, the guideline seeks to guarantee that transactions take place in an acceptable amount of time.
Toll Plazas to employ the ICD 2.5 protocol
NHAI informed FASTag users that the ICD 2.5 protocol, which provides real-time tag status updates, is used in all National Highway toll plazas. Allowing users to recharge their FASTag whenever they choose before entering a toll plaza, guarantees smooth travel.
The outdated ICD 2.4 protocol is still used in some State Highway toll plazas, necessitating recurring tag status updates. The ICD 2.5 protocol is currently being implemented at several state highway toll plazas to improve efficiency and user-friendliness.
FASTag clients recommended linking their wallets to UPI
FASTag consumers are advised to link their wallets to UPI or their bank accounts with auto-recharge settings to guarantee uninterrupted transactions.
Before arriving at the toll plaza, users who prefer manual recharges can continue to top up their FASTag using UPI, net banking, or other payment methods.
NHAI reiterated that the system would continue to function normally and that FASTag users are not subject to any new restrictions. The explanation aims to dispel any misunderstandings and persuade travelers that FASTag remains a reliable and efficient method of paying tolls across the country.
Conclusion
The NHAI has reassured FASTag users that they are not affected by recent regulatory updates and can continue using the system without concern. The latest NPCI circular is designed to streamline dispute resolution between banks, ensuring smooth toll transactions. With the adoption of the ICD 2.5 protocol at National Highway toll plazas and its gradual implementation on State Highways, FASTag users can expect improved efficiency. To avoid disruptions, users are encouraged to link their wallets to UPI or enable auto-recharge features. NHAI's clarification aims to eliminate any confusion, reaffirming FASTag as a seamless and dependable toll payment solution across the country.
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