As digitisation advances in India, transportation and infrastructure are evolving to enhance customer convenience. In the digitisation of facilities related to payment systems on roads, FASTag is a major development. This digital mode of toll collection is applicable to four-wheelers only. It is not applicable to two wheelers or bikes.
This process has made toll payments very smooth and easy. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the importance of FASTag, how one can obtain it, and how it is used.
Understanding FASTag
FASTag is a tag attached to your vehicle’s windscreen. It operates on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and allows automatic toll payment from your bank account. This is a simple process: the toll is deducted when your vehicle reaches the plaza and the RFID reads the tag.
Reasons to have FASTag?
The FASTag for bikes and two-wheelers is not implemented in India. However, for four wheelers, it is a game changer for toll collection in India, allowing smooth rides. Let us look at some of the major reasons why FASTag holds significance.
- Seamless Toll Payment: With FASTag, vehicles can have seamless toll payment with no hassle of carrying cash and escaping long queues at plazas. The toll amount is automatically deducted from your linked bank account.
- Time-Saving: The primary benefit of using FASTag is that it saves time. FASTag can save much time at toll plazas as it automatically deducts the payment. With no need to pay toll charges manually, riders can have a smooth ride.
- Fuel Efficiency: Continuous stoppages and idling at toll plazas cause wastage of fuel. With FASTag, you can have a steady pace, allowing no fuel wastage and upgrading your ride efficiency.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: By facilitating quicker transactions, FASTag contributes positively to reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas, allowing individuals to have a smooth ride.
- Environment Friendly: FASTag is considered an environment-friendly option, considering the smooth traffic flow, no big lines at toll plazas, and emissions due to waiting. Also, the printed receipt is not required, as the details of the deduction are present on the digital portal of your FASTag, like the iMobile Pay app.
- Cashless Transactions: Aligned with the broader market, shifting towards digitalisation, FASTag allows for a seamless and hassle-free cashless transaction. It can make your travel smooth.
Ways to Obtain FASTag
Ways to buy FASTag, You do not need FASTag for bikes or two-wheelers. However, getting it for your four-wheeler is a simple process that is completed in a few easy steps. Look at the steps needed to follow for your FASTag using digital banking applications:
Get your FASTag through the different digital platforms offered by ICICI Bank:
Get FASTag from your bank’s mobile application
- Login to your mobile banking application like the iMobile app, using your credentials.
- Select the ‘Bill Pay, Recharge & FASTag’ Tab on the Home Screen and select the FASTag icon
- Enter and confirm your vehicle’s registration number
- Select the make and model of your vehicle
- Read and tick the Terms and Conditions box and tap on Proceed
- Enter the delivery address and email id
- Select the account from where the amount will be debited and tap on Proceed
- Check the pre-confirmation page to make sure all the details are correct and tap on Proceed
This will complete the process of buying a FASTag. To save time, you can also purchase a monthly pass.
Purchase FASTag through your bank’s Internet Banking
- Login to your ICICI Bank’s Internet Banking account with your User ID and Password
- Go to Payments and Transfers
- Click on Buy/Recharge FASTag
- Under the Purchase tab, enter your vehicle’s registration number, and the make and model of your vehicle
- Enter the delivery address
- Select the account to be debited and tick the T&C box and Proceed
- Check the pre-confirmation page to make sure all the details are correct and tap on Proceed
- Check your Payment summary and confirm the transaction
Your FASTag will soon be delivered to the address mentioned.
Receive and Affix the Tag: After the application is approved, you will be issued your FASTag. You will receive the FASTag by mail at your registered address. The tag should be affixed to the front windshield of your vehicle, specifically positioned in the centre of your vehicle.
Activate Your FASTag: Activate your FASTag, immediately after receiving it. You can do this activation simply by the digital methods, from net banking portal, mobile app, or by calling the customer service. The activation process will be completed after you link your FASTag to your prepaid account.
Maintain Sufficient Balance: Ensure that your account linked for FASTag deduction has a sufficient balance so that the process is not interrupted. With sufficient balance, the toll amount will be deducted automatically, whenever you cross the plaza.
Using FASTag on Your Vehicle
Once you have fixed your FASTag, using the same for automatic toll plaza collection deduction is very easy. Below are the points you need to know.
Approaching the Toll Plaza: While approaching the toll plaza, make sure your bike is perfectly aligned, enabling the reading of your FASTag, attached to your vehicle. The RFID reader at the toll plaza will automatically scan your FASTag and deduct the money from your linked bank account.
SMS Alerts: In every FASTag transaction there will be an SMS alert on your registered mobile number. With the message notification, you can keep track of your toll payments and always have sufficient balance.
Recharging Your FASTag: In case you have a low FASTag balance, you can recharge the linked account with payment methods like UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking. You can opt for the automatic recharge option so that you always have sufficient balance.
Checking Your Balance: You can check your FASTag balance with your bank’s mobile app or portal or by connecting with customer care services. Monitoring your balance ensures that you never run out of funds.
Handling Issues: In case your FASTag is not detected at the toll plaza or you are having any issues, you can contact the customer service and get the right assistance. Most issues can be resolved fast, ensuring smooth and fast movement.
Conclusion
FASTag for two-wheelers and bikes is not required, however using FASTag for four wheelers and other vehicles, is a step towards convenient, efficient, and environment-friendly road travel. With this technology, riders can have cashless toll payments, reduced travel time, and a smoother journey.
With continuous evolution and expansion, this system holds the potential to become an integral part of the transportation ecosystem in India, allowing a bright and connected future for roads in India.