KEY STORY
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According to the latest guidelines, FASTags will be mandatory from Monday. The government had earlier delayed the date to make FASTags mandatory from January 1 to February 15, 2021. The revised deadline will push users to make the switch to the new technology.
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FASTag is an electronic toll collection mechanism that includes an RFID tag affixed to the windscreen of a vehicle.
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The rechargeable tag is linked to a prepaid account/e-wallet from which the charges are automatically deducted at toll booths. This negates the need to stop at toll plazas to make the payment, thereby resulting in swifter movement of traffic.
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At present, all but one lane at all toll plazas on national highways have been made FASTag lanes to ensure a swift movement of traffic. Any vehicle without a FASTag entering FASTag lane is bound to pay double the toll amount as penalty.
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However, there is one lane that is dedicated for cash payments. However, the government wants to do away with this from 15 February. From Feb 15 onwards, all lanes will be converted into FASTag lanes.
If you are yet to purchase a FASTag, then here’s how you can do it online:
How to buy FASTag online?
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FASTags are issued by 22 certified banks through Point-of-Sale (PoS) at National Highway toll plazas and select bank branches. They are also available on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Paytm Mall. FASTag issued by certified banks can charge a maximum of Rs 100 for each tag, which is fixed by NPCI. Apart from the banks and mobile wallets such as Paytm, one can recharge a FASTag using the BHIM UPI as well. One can also buy it from Airtel. Additionally, FASTag users can also get 2.5 per cent cashback from NHAI on all toll payments done via FASTag.
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For buying FASTag via your registered bank, you can check the registered website of the banks like ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, etc. as they are authorised, FASTag partners. You can then look for the FASTag option on the website and click on the ‘Apply for FASTag’ option. Then enter your vehicle number and registered mobile number to receive an OTP.
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After this, enter the prompted details like name, address, etc., and upload necessary documents. After this, you will have to make an online payment for the FASTag; it has a one-time fee of Rs 200, reissuance fee of Rs 100, and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200.
Documents required:
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If you reside within a range of 10 km from the toll plaza, you can avail of a concession on toll to be paid via your FASTag. In such a case, you need to submit the required documents- proof of residence at the bank, nearest POS location to validate that your residential address is within 10 km of a particular toll plaza.
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Once the address is verified, you can avail of a concession on the toll paid via FASTag assigned to your vehicle, according to the IHMCL website.
