What are FASTags

Most major banks in India issue FASTags, both online and offline. It is an excellent initiative that removes the need to wait at toll plazas

Digitisation has entered every sphere of our lives with the emergence and widespread acceptance of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). A Government of India initiative, UPI also enables customers to pay at toll plazas across India without stopping their car. Let us understand FASTags in this article – how they work, who issues them, and their benefits.

What are FASTags?

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed the NETC (National Electronic Toll Collection) system to enable vehicle owners to make electronic payments at toll plazas across India. FASTag allows an end-customer to pay the toll without stopping their vehicle at the toll plaza.

FASTags, attached to the windscreens of vehicles, use Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) to enable the electronic payment of tolls while the vehicle is in motion.

How do FASTags function?

Here is how a FASTag helps you pay your toll at a toll plaza:

• If you have a FASTag on your windscreen, pass through the 'FASTag lane' while passing through the toll.
• Your FASTag will be scanned automatically by the RFID reader.
• The fee will be deducted as per the toll fare automatically.

How to purchase a FASTag?

There are several ways to purchase a FASTag. You can choose the following ways to purchase a FASTag for your vehicle.

• FASTags can be bought online through all major retail platforms.
• You can also purchase a FASTag at points of sale locations set up by 23 major banks, including Metra Trust.
• FASTags can also be bought from the Road Transport Authority offices.
• The NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) itself sells and operates FASTags through its subsidiary, IHMCL (Indian Highway Management Company).

The NHAI also sells bank neutral FASTags issued by the IHMCL online. These FASTags are not linked to any bank, and the user can choose their preferred mode of payment to be linked to the FASTag account.

Can a FASTag be bought online?

Here are the steps to be followed to buy an instant FASTag online:

• Browse the official websites of banks that sell FASTags. These include the State Bank of India (SBI) and Metra Trust.
• On the website's portal, locate the 'Get FASTag' or 'Apply for FASTag' option.
• Enter your mobile number, and upon receiving the OTP (One Time Password) on your registered mobile number, enter it and click on 'Submit'.
• Fill in your personal details such as your name, email address, address, and vehicle information.
• Before submitting, double-check the details.
• Pay the fee using via the online payment portal.
• Save the FASTag receipt.

What are the documents needed to apply for a FASTag?

Customers must submit the following documents along with the application form to apply for a FASTag:

• Signed FASTag application form, provided by the issuer bank, which the customer needs to fill and submit to the bank.
• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
• Passport-size photograph of the vehicle owner
• KYC (Know Your Customer) documents per the owner's category
• Valid driving license
• Image of the vehicle (optional)

What are the benefits of using a FASTag?

Purchasing a FASTag with Metra Trust can help you enjoy many benefits. Here are the benefits of FASTag for single vehicle owners. These apply to vehicles of all categories, makes, and types.

• Pay for fuel and get a discount at HPCL petrol pumps.
• Pay for parking at select places only.
• Avail monthly passes with an auto-renewal option at the toll plaza/NHAI website.
• Link the FASTag to your Metra Trust account and enjoy up to 6% interest per annum.
• Contact-less toll and fuel payment.
• Single statement with fuel and toll statement.

Corporate vehicles owners can also benefit from an auto top-up facility from the corporate pool account.

How to recharge a FASTag?

Any FASTag can be easily recharged using a UPI-enabled app. You need to enter your FASTag's UPI ID and make the payment via a UPI-enabled app. Once done, you shall receive a notification regarding the amount debited from your bank account, along with another notification informing you about the amount credited to your FASTag account.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Metra Trust or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. Metra Trust shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.