New Delhi, January 15, 2024 – In a bid to revamp the highway toll experience, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ policy, effectively putting the brakes on the widespread practice of using a single FASTag on multiple vehicles. This initiative, rolled out with a hint of regulatory humor, aims to straighten out the tangled lanes of toll collection efficiency.
The NHAI is also putting the pedal to the metal on the ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) process. FASTags that haven’t completed KYC as per the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines will find themselves on the road to deactivation or blacklisting after January 31, 2024. Despite having a valid balance, these tags will hit a roadblock if KYC remains incomplete.
To steer clear of toll troubles, FASTag users are advised to ensure their latest FASTag is KYC-compliant. They must also adhere to the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule and discard any outdated FASTags through their respective banks. Post-January 31st, only the latest FASTag account will keep cruising, as previous tags will be shown the red light. For any bumps along the way, users can seek assistance at nearby toll plazas or dial up the toll-free customer care of their issuer banks.
This initiative follows recent reports of vehicles sporting multiple FASTags and instances of FASTags being issued without KYC, clearly flouting RBI’s mandates. Additionally, some drivers have been playing a game of hide-and-seek with their FASTags, not displaying them on their windshields, leading to traffic snarls and collective sighs at toll plazas.
With a whopping 98 percent penetration rate and over 8 crore users, FASTag has transformed India’s Electronic Toll Collection system. NHAI’s latest move is expected to turbocharge toll operations, paving the way for smoother and more efficient journeys on the nation’s highways. So, highway users, get your FASTag game in gear – it’s time to drive straight and compliant!
