FASTag is an intelligent solution introduced by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to collect tolls electronically. It makes use of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag stuck on the windshield, which is linked with a wallet/bank account to pay for the toll. FASTag has proved to be a robust solution that has not only the entire process of toll collection transparent but also hassle free. Recently, the government has proposed to evolve FASTag as a cashless and contactless mode of payment at many places possible, which we are going to discuss here! Stay Tuned!
FASTag was initially introduced for regular long distance commuters who found dealing with cash frustrating every now and then. The user could simply load the balance into a wallet, and as the vehicle comes across the toll plaza, the amount was automatically deducted from the linked wallet. This proved to be a boon to business owners and commercial vehicles as vehicle operators did not need to provide cash to drivers for toll and could manage the toll fees in a much more transparent way.
Over the course of time, NHAI took record of the ETA to clear a queue in a FASTag lane and compared it with a Cash ONLY lane, which turned out to be significantly less. This might not be a problem for highways with less traffic but was a nightmare for the daily commuters on crowded highways like the NH1, where the toll lines even crossed a kilometre during peak hours. Therefore, the implementation of FASTag to be mandatory was given a clean chit by NHAI.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About FASTag
A similar queue of vehicles can be observed at many places like a petrol pump or even a shopping mall's parking lot where it takes hours for people to step out. You unquestionably must have come across a person at a petrol pump taking hours to pull out cash from his pocket to pay for the fuel, and there are rarely any people who keep the money ready beforehand. To reduce this wastage of time, FASTag, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation, will enable consumers to pay for fuel and lubricants from its outlets using their FASTag balance. This process would be much faster than using a tap-and-pay credit/debit card, as it won't require the attendant to enter the amount manually. The scanner would directly scan the vehicles FASTag or car number plate, following which the registered mobile number of the customer will then receive an OTP to validate the transaction.
Also Read: FASTag New Rule Allows Toll-Free Journey If You Cross The Line?
A similar process would be followed at parking lots, but the OTP format seems to have been overthought as many a time there are connectivity issues where the customer is unable to receive an OTP. In many cases, the registered phone number of the FASTag is not in the direct possession of a customer. In these cases, there can be a significant amount of delay in the process. Therefore, we expect the NHAI to work put these issues and bring forward this cashless FASTag payment technology in a more utilitarian way. Delhi's T3 airport already accepts Fastag payments now.
So, what are your expectations with the evolution of FASTag as a cashless payment option? Share your views in the comment section. Let's get into a discussion with this in our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group, where you can know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride, and much more! You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel for our exclusive video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
