21 Dec, 2024

Benefits of Using FASTags While Travelling in India

Smiley emojis, stickers with quotes, and ones that alert other drivers that there's a baby on board are fun stickers some car owners place on their rear glass. An important sticker on the front windshield is the FASTag. It is mandatory for all vehicles that drive across India on national highways to have a FASTag to pay toll charges. The technology-based NETC (National Electronic Toll Collection) FASTag has been launched and developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to reduce traffic snarls at toll points. Quick registration & activation, fast movement through toll plazas, contactless payment, and many more benefits of using FASTags while travelling in India are discussed below.

Top Benefits of Using FASTAGs While Travelling in India

FASTags more than an electronic toll collection system has transformed the way travellers experience road journeys in India. Here's are  the key benefits of using FASTag:

1. Easy Registration, Activation, and Recharge: It is easy to register for a FASTag account online with a reliable service provider, including major reputed banks. The FASTag gets automatically activated and can be used right away. Recharging is also a breeze, through debit or credit cards, UPI payment or Net banking.

2. Quick Journeys: No doubt, road trips on smoothly-paved highways are enjoyable whether for work or leisure, as you enjoy the passing scenery, stop for a quick bite, and move on, keen to reach your destination quickly. The enjoyment can be marred by toll points which create a break in your journey and make you impatient as you wait for the barrier to be raised so that you can pass through. The FASTag on your windshield will ensure that the barrier goes up pretty quickly as you don't stop at the toll plaza's window to hand over the toll charge.

3. Tech-Based Contactless and Cashless Payment: The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)--based technology embedded in the FASTag enables drivers to go through a toll point without having to stop and pay in cash. This is highly advantageous if you are a regular traveller and are passing through multiple toll gates, as you do not need to carry wads of cash for the toll charge at each of them. A cashless and contactless transaction also eliminates the need to wait to get change from the toll operators.

4. Secure Payment: When you pass through a toll point with a FASTag affixed to your windshield, the requisite toll charge is automatically deducted from a prepaid wallet or bank account linked to it. This debited transaction is not only hassle-free but also safe due to encrypted technology, ensuring a secure and dependable method of payment.

5. SMS Alerts and Transparency: You do not have to worry about digital payment transactions through FASTag. Within seconds of passing through a toll gate, you will get an SMS alert on your mobile number about the toll amount. It is useful to get this real-time update and ensure transparency. SMS alerts will also be sent to inform you if you require a FASTag recharge. What's more, with a registered FASTag account with your service provider, you can check the balance in your account, go through the various toll transactions of specific dates and places, and enter instructions for an automatic recharge. This is a convenient and competent method to manage your FASTag account.

6. One Gate Pass Across India: Imagine travelling across India with a single gate pass. That is the role FASTag plays. Inter-city and inter-state travel has become wonderfully easy as no matter where you are heading, the FASTag is operational at all toll points on the way. This is a major advantage for those in the courier and cargo business. Whether tempos or large-sized trailers and trucks, these vehicles can haul their boxes and parcels to the intended destination quickly, allowing for logistical efficiency.

7. Better Traffic Management: The quicker movement of vehicles at toll points improves traffic flow. It can be a nightmare for drivers, toll operators, and traffic management personnel when there is a sea of cars stuck in a never-ending queue. There are often frayed tempers, too! Vehicles with FASTag stickers can greatly reduce the congested lanes at toll plazas. Since not all cars will necessarily have FASTag, there are separate lanes for those with them and those without. This minimises bottlenecks.

Read to know: Traffic Rules Every Car Driver Should Know in India

8. Saving Fuel: Consider the scenario of a long line of vehicles in queue at a toll plaza, with their engines idling. Collectively, they are polluting the air with tons of carbon dioxide released from their tailpipes. This can be somewhat reduced if the vehicles pass the toll barriers quickly, thus standing passively for a shorter duration. Saving fuel is also beneficial for vehicle owners.

Also Read: Tips to Maximize your car's fuel efficiency

9. Multifunctional Utility: With a FASTag pasted on your windshield, you open up an avenue of multiple usages, including:

Refuelling: You need not worry about getting short on fuel during your road trip and not having cash for a refill. Drive into a petrol pump and top up the tank. This convenience is thanks to a collaboration between fuel companies and banks, with refuelling service available at select fuel stations through FASTag payments. Similarly, quick services like an engine check or a vehicle wash through a FASTag payment may be available.

Parking: Paying for a parking spot at the airport or at a mall is now hassle-free with FASTag. Designated malls, airports, and private parking plazas in some cities allow vehicle owners to park in areas equipped with RFID sensors and integrated payment systems.

Fines: Traffic Challan fines can be paid quickly, with the amount deducted from the FASTag account.

10. Deals and Discounts: When you register for a FASTag account, you can find out about special deals and discounts offered by the service provider, such as a cashback deal. Inquire, too, with your vehicle insurance service provider about discounts if you are consistently maintaining low mileage.

Conclusion

Planning to sell or buy a used car? Don't forget about the FASTag! Ensure the FASTag account is transferred or closed properly to avoid future toll deductions or liabilities.  You can reap a host of benefits with FASTag, from zipping through toll plazas and reaching your destination quickly, to availing of deals and discounts. With a validity of five years, you don’t even need to buy one frequently. And don’t forget- you avoid paying double at the toll point with a FASTag on your windshield.