In a bid to streamline toll collection procedures and optimise the efficiency of electronic toll systems, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has enacted the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ regulation.
Effective from April 1st, this initiative is aimed at curbing the prevalent practice of utilising a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or associating numerous FASTags with a singular vehicle. NHAI’s decision to enforce the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ policy comes on the heels of an extension granted to comply with the initiative, acknowledging challenges encountered by Paytm FASTag users “Multiple FASTags won’t work… People who have multiple FASTags for one vehicle won’t be able to use all of them from today (April 1),” the official told PTI.
This move underscores NHAI’s commitment to bolstering the electronic toll collection system, which has been significantly enhanced with FASTag adoption, boasting an impressive penetration rate of approximately 98 percent and servicing over 8 crore users nationwide. FASTag, leveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, facilitates seamless toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings accounts, thereby revolutionising toll transactions across the country. This development coincides with recent guidance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), advising both customers and merchants associated with Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to transition their accounts to alternative banking institutions by March 15th. NHAI’s steadfast implementation of the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ mandate underscores its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a seamless commuting experience for motorists traversing the national highways.
