For a third-world country like India, infrastructure is still developing, amidst which toll plaza traffic congestion and its related revenue losses have continued to cause significant problems to the Indian economy. To meet the standards set by the Indian highway traffic transport system efficiency, the toll booth plazas have to be made effective and efficient.
The online FASTag has enabled automatic registration, which has made surveillance of vehicles easier than before. Introduced by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited(IHMCL) and the National Highways Authority of India(NHAI), it has made the whole plaza experience convenient, easy and cashless across the country. It was .
What is a FASTag?
It is a toll collection mechanism that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags affixed on the windshield of the vehicles. The National Payments Corporation of India is running it. It has an interoperable nationwide toll payment network, including clearinghouse settlement and dispute management services.
FASTag has increased transparency and efficiency in processing payments and enabled the road network’s electronification. It has also reduced air pollution and fuel consumption as the congestion around the toll has decreased.
What are the benefits of using FASTag?
- Saves time
The introduction of online FASTag has reduced the time it used to take tolls at paying the toll in cash, unlike now, when you do not even need to stop at the toll.
- Simple registration process
You can register yourself with any app and get the transfers started. The steps are given to initiate the whole payment process, which is easy and hassle-free.
- Transaction Records
You can keep a record of your transactions as all payments are online and registered with your bank account. You can check the transaction history on the app you use for your FAStag transfers.
- Easy to Recharge
You can do the FASTag recharge online, which makes it easy and convenient as it is linked to your bank account. There is also an option for automatic deduction of the tolls; you must ensure sufficient balance in your account.
- Environmentally sound
It has reduced paper receipts at the tolls given at the time of cash payments. In addition, the fuel also gets saved as you don’t have to wait in long queues to pay the toll.
How to recharge FASTag online?
I recently purchased a car and forgot to get a FASTag and ended up paying double the toll amount. I then got a FASTag and got it recharged with the help of Bajaj Pay, the steps to recharge and start paying are as follows:
- Navigate to the Bajaj Finserv app’s Bajaj Pay Wallet section and select the “Purchase Fastag” option.
- If you don’t have a Bajaj Pay Wallet, you must create one before purchasing Bajaj Pay FASTag; enter your Vehicle registration number, Vehicle details, and Delivery address.
- You must enter your vehicle’s “model” and “make”.
- After accepting the “terms and conditions”, tap “Buy Now.”
- Select a payment option and then proceed by clicking the “Pay” button.
Which is the best app for FASTag recharge online?
I always use the Bajaj Pay FASTag using the Bajaj Finserv app. It ensures seamless transfers and avoids the need to carry cash while you travel, bringing the users close to the vision of a cashless India and encouraging digital payments.
It offers a convenient and efficient way for commuters to enjoy a smooth journey on national highways and select city tolls.
Conclusion
A digital revolution is being witnessed in our country, and everything is being made online so that transparency and the growing use of AI-ML are incorporated into our day-to-day lives.
Online FASTag is the right step in this direction; it has changed the toll payment landscape and made the user experience smooth and hassle-free, increasing its acceptance nationwide.