FASTags mandatory from tomorrow midnight; double fee for violators: Centre
What's the story
The automatic toll plaza payment system FASTag will be made mandatory from tomorrow midnight, the central government said on Sunday.
The deadline will not be extended further, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
Those who do not have the FASTag system or have a tag that does not work will have to pay double the toll amount.
Here are more details.
FASTag
What is a FASTag and how does it work?
A FASTag is a device that would make toll payments cashless and hassle-free using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
The device has to be stuck to the windscreen of your vehicle. So, when you pass through a toll booth, it automatically deducts the toll fare from your account linked to the FASTag, without you having to stop.
This ensures seamless traffic movement.
Information
'Government declares FASTag mandatory w.e.f midnight of 15th/16th February'
"Government declares FASTag mandatory w.e.f midnight of 15th/16th February 2021. Any vehicle not fitted with FASTag or without valid, functional FASTag entering into FASTag lane, shall pay a fee equivalent to two times of fee applicable to that category," a statement said.
Advantage
FASTags will help promote digital payments, reduce waiting time
The government said switching to FASTags will help promote digital payments, reduce waiting time at toll plazas, help decrease fuel consumption, and provide for a seamless passage through fee plazas.
The Transport Ministry had mandated FASTag in "M" (vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying passengers) and "N" (vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying goods/passengers) categories of vehicles.
Deadline
Deadline will not be extended further: Transport Minister
Gadkari said on Sunday that the deadline for using FASTags will not be extended beyond February 16.
He urged people to immediately switch to the e-payment facility.
Gadkari noted that the government had extended the FASTag registration date limit several times before.
FASTag registration has reportedly gone up to 90% on some routes since they were introduced in 2016.