Around 600 toll gates on national highways and select state highways, including 19 in Bengal, will be FASTag-enabled from December 15.
Vehicles that will have FASTags fitted to their windscreens and enough balance in the bank accounts linked with the electronic tags will enjoy seamless journey on the highways without having to stop and pay the toll.
At least 19 toll plazas across Bengal will have this feature enabled from December 15.
The FASTag is being introduced as part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, which has been developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. It’s an initiative of the road transport and highways ministry.
Here’s a guide covering almost everything one needs to know before hitting a highway post-December 15.
What is a FASTag?
It is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments while the vehicle is in motion.
The RFID tag is affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle and enables a motorist to make the toll payments directly from the account linked to the FASTag.
From when will the FASTag be used in India/Bengal?
December 15. Only one lane on the approach to a toll plaza will a “hybrid” lane, through which any vehicle can pass. All other lanes will be for FASTag vehicles. Non-FASTag users will be charged double the fee if they pass through FASTag lanes.
How will the system work?
A FASTag-enabled toll gate will automatically read the RFID sticker attached on the windscreen of a vehicle, capture the details and pass them on to the bank to validate a transaction before allowing the vehicle to pass.
What are the benefits of FASTag?
FASTag-enabled vehicles will enjoy a non-stop journey through the toll plazas that are integrated to the system. The idea is to reduce the use of cash and eliminate the headache of looking for change at the toll plazas. The process will also save time and fuel. That the FASTag can be recharged online is counted as a benefit.
From where can one get a FASTag?
A tag can be collected from any point of sale (PoS) location at the FASTag-enabled toll plazas and from any of the 24 banks that are part of the project. One can also apply online at the respective bank’s website or at http://www.nhai.gov.in/# Some Calcuttans got FASTags through their car dealers while buying the vehicle. “The dealer opened a bank account on my behalf, gave me a FASTag and activated the account for immediate use. I am hoping to use it once the toll gates are ready,” said a south Calcutta resident.
What are the documents needed to get a FASTag?
Registration certificate of the vehicle, passport size photograph of the vehicle’s owner, KYC documents according to the category of the vehicle owner (such as individual/corporate).
How much does a tag cost?
A FASTag costs a maximum of Rs 100, according to a guideline of the ministry of transport and highways. However, a few banks are offering it for free. The banks will collect money from customers to fund the FASTag-link. Details of the payment are available on the banks’ websites.
How many toll plazas are FASTag-enabled in Bengal?
According to NETC, FASTag toll plazas are ready for use at 19 locations in Bengal. They include Rampura in West Midnapore, Palsit in East Burdwan, Dankuni in Hooghly, Rajchandrapur in Howrah, Debra in West Midnapore, Jaladhulagori in Howrah, Paschim Madati in Darjeeling, Surjapur in North Dinajpur, Sonapetya in East Midnapore, Chandermore in Murshidabad, Shibpur in Murshidabad, Guabari in Alipurduar and Banskopa in Durgapur.
How do I know if an approaching toll plaza is FASTag-enabled or not?
A FASTag-enabled toll plaza will have hoardings announcing the facility 500 meters before it. FASTag-enabled lanes will have separate signage. Customers can also ask the toll booth personnel.
Whom should one report if there is an incorrect deduction?
In case of a wrong deduction, the bank from where the money has been debited has to be alerted. The bank authorities will review the complaint and based on its merit, raise a chargeback for the excess amount deducted.
