New FASTag-Based Annual Pass
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Context: Union Minister of Road Transportation announced that the new FASTag-based annual pass will roll out on August 15, offering smoother toll payments and reduced congestion for private vehicles on national highways.
About New FASTag-Based Annual Pass:
• What is FASTag? An electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pay highway tolls automatically using RFID-based technology, avoiding stops at toll booths.
• An electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pay highway tolls automatically using RFID-based technology, avoiding stops at toll booths.
• Launched in: Pilot in 2014 on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor
• Mandatory Since: February 15, 2021 for all four-wheelers
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
• Implementing Agency: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Working Principle: FASTag is a RFID-enabled sticker fixed to a vehicle’s windshield. Linked to a prepaid wallet or bank account. Toll amount is auto-deducted as the vehicle passes a toll plaza.
• FASTag is a RFID-enabled sticker fixed to a vehicle’s windshield.
• Linked to a prepaid wallet or bank account.
• Toll amount is auto-deducted as the vehicle passes a toll plaza.
• Key Features of FASTag: Cashless & Contactless Tolling: Enables automatic toll payments through RFID scanning, eliminating the need for cash transactions or stopping at toll booths. Reduced Congestion & Fuel Savings: Speeds up vehicle movement at toll plazas, cutting idle time and reducing fuel wastage. Boosts Digital Transactions: Encourages a fully digital toll payment ecosystem, aligned with India’s Digital India vision. Vehicle-Specific & Non-Transferable: Each FASTag is uniquely linked to a particular vehicle and cannot be transferred or used across multiple vehicles. Multiple Channels for Purchase: FASTags are widely available via authorised banks, e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and NHAI outlets, making it easy for users to obtain and recharge.
• Cashless & Contactless Tolling: Enables automatic toll payments through RFID scanning, eliminating the need for cash transactions or stopping at toll booths.
• Reduced Congestion & Fuel Savings: Speeds up vehicle movement at toll plazas, cutting idle time and reducing fuel wastage.
• Boosts Digital Transactions: Encourages a fully digital toll payment ecosystem, aligned with India’s Digital India vision.
• Vehicle-Specific & Non-Transferable: Each FASTag is uniquely linked to a particular vehicle and cannot be transferred or used across multiple vehicles.
• Multiple Channels for Purchase: FASTags are widely available via authorised banks, e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and NHAI outlets, making it easy for users to obtain and recharge.
About FASTag-Based Annual Pass:
• What is it? A prepaid toll passes worth ₹3,000 for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
• A prepaid toll passes worth ₹3,000 for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
• Key Features: Validity: 1 year from activation or 200 highway trips, whichever is earlier. Activated via Rajmarg Yatra app and NHAI/MoRTH websites. Reduces toll payments in short stretches (within 60 km gaps between toll plazas). Lowers waiting time, congestion, and disputes at toll booths. Aims to simplify highway travel for frequent private vehicle users.
• Validity: 1 year from activation or 200 highway trips, whichever is earlier.
• Activated via Rajmarg Yatra app and NHAI/MoRTH websites.
• Reduces toll payments in short stretches (within 60 km gaps between toll plazas).
• Lowers waiting time, congestion, and disputes at toll booths.
• Aims to simplify highway travel for frequent private vehicle users.