The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is taking significant steps to improve the efficiency and convenience of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system through its new “One Vehicle, One FASTag” initiative. This initiative aims to address two key issues:
Multiple FASTags for one vehicle: Some users have been using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a single vehicle, leading to confusion and potential fraud. The “One Vehicle, One FASTag” rule ensures that only one FASTag is linked to each vehicle, streamlining toll transactions and preventing misuse.
Incomplete KYC for FASTags: To comply with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, all FASTags must have complete Know Your Customer (KYC) details. NHAI is urging users to complete their KYC by updating relevant information with their respective issuing banks. FASTags with valid balances but incomplete KYC will be deactivated/blacklisted after January 31, 2024.
For further assistance or inquiries, FASTag users can contact the nearest toll plazas or utilize the toll-free customer care number provided by their respective issuer banks.
NHAI has initiated this measure in response to recent reports of multiple FASTags being issued for a single vehicle and instances of FASTags being distributed without completing the mandatory KYC process, which is a violation of RBI regulations. Furthermore, instances of FASTags not being affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen intentionally have led to unnecessary delays at toll plazas, causing inconvenience to other National Highway users.
With a remarkable penetration rate of approximately 98 percent and a user base exceeding 8 crores, FASTag has significantly transformed the Electronic Toll Collection system across the country. The implementation of the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative is poised to enhance toll operations’ efficiency and ensure seamless and comfortable journeys for users of the National Highways.