The Maharashtra Cabinet has announced that starting from April 1, 2025, all vehicles in the state must have a FASTag.
FASTag is a small RFID tag that helps drivers pay tolls automatically. The tag is attached to the vehicle’s windscreen and is linked to the driver’s bank account. When the vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the toll fee is automatically deducted from the linked account, so the driver doesn’t need to stop to make a payment.
Once a FASTag is attached to a vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle. The tag can be purchased from any of the banks that are part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) system. If the FASTag is linked to a prepaid account, the driver will need to recharge the account when the balance runs low.
If the account balance is insufficient, the FASTag will be blacklisted, and the driver won’t be able to use the toll-free system. In such a case, the driver has to pay cash at the toll plaza.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) came up with the NETC program to make it easier to pay tolls and to ensure that the FASTag system works all over the country. It is designed so that drivers can use their FASTag at any toll plaza, regardless of which company operates it.
The FASTag system saves time and fuel since a vehicle need not stop at a toll booth. Additionally, it supports smooth flow of traffic besides providing fast and effortless toll payment solutions.
In all, from April 1, 2025, all vehicles in Maharashtra will need to have a FASTag to use toll roads, making toll payments faster and more convenient.
With inputs from ANI.