New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has stated in a Press communication that RFID based FASTag, an electronic toll collection system implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), has proved to be instrumental in easing lives of commuters on National Highways within two months of its nationwide implementation. Over 1.55 crore FASTags have been issued through multiple Points of Sale (PoS). NHAI has been observing increased sale rate of FASTags which is a clear indication of this digital system being accepted. As a result, FASTag transaction has crossed a landmark count of 4 million per day. In order to give prime importance to its existing FASTag users, dissuade defaulters, and further encourage adoption of FASTags by NH commuters, vehicles without FASTags entering FASTag lanes are being charged double the toll fee. Till now, a total of 18 lakh vehicles defaulted by encroaching FASTag lanes across India, resulting in a double charge cash toll accumulation of about Rs. 20 crore, the Ministry revealed. As a measure, it has also resulted in smooth and hassle-free movement of FASTag users on highways. The implementation of FASTags across the country has been met with the desired response so far. The adoption of FASTags also means that it has brought in the much-needed transparency in collection at the toll booths. In order to further increase digital collection of user fee via FASTag at NH fee plazas, NHAI has recently waived off the FASTag cost of Rs. 100 for the FASTag from 15 February to 29 February. Any road users can visit any authorized physical point-of-sale location with a valid Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle and get an NHAI FASTag free of cost.Source: https://indusdictum.com
