FASTag: Electronic Toll Collection programme launched

The Government of India has launched FASTag, a new Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) programme which will enable road users to pay the necessary toll electronically without needing to stop at toll plazas.

Vehicles of FASTag users will have a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag will be affixed on the windshield. Toll plazas will have dedicated ETC lanes called FASTag lanes, which will have colour coding for identification. These FASTag lanes will be fitted with readers that will read the unique number on the tag and the appropriate amount as per the class of vehicle will be automatically deducted from the account of the user.

FASTag will be distributed by ICICI Bank and Axis bank through their franchises and agents and points of sales near toll plazas. Road users can enrol and get FASTag affixed on their vehicles at designated toll plaza locations or Point of Sale (POS) stations of Axis bank and ICICI bank.

RFID tags will help in reducing the time road users spend waiting at toll plazas, which in turn will cut down on the total travelling time.