Maharashtra: In a major cabinet decision, the Maharashtra government has decided to make FASTags mandatory for all vehicles in the state, starting from April 1, 2025. The Maharashtra cabinet made this decision on Tuesday. It is mandatory for all vehicles, including private and commercial vehicles, passing through toll plazas on national highways.
This decision will help in reducing traffic congestion, promoting cashless transactions and enhancing overall efficiency.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways had launched National Electronic Toll Collection program (NETC) which provides for collection of user fee through FASTag based on RFID technology. This was done in order to save fuel, time and pollution and to ensure seamless movement of traffic.
It was decided that all lanes (except one lane on each side) in Fee Plazas shall be declared as ‘FASTag lane of Fee Plaza’ by 1st of December 2019. NHAI has equipped all Fee Plazas with Electronic Toll Collection System.
Maharashtra cabinet has decided that Fastag will be mandatory from 1st April 2025 for all vehicles in the state.
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/P5VkhAyqiG
— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025
Benefits Of FASTags
For ease in availability of FASTag, NHAI has launched MyFASTag APP whereby all information regarding FASTag can be obtained along with location of POSs and charging/ linking with NHAI/other wallets or bank accounts.
FASTags are used for seamless travel and transaction at toll plazas.
With the implementation of FASTags, waiting time at plazas gets reduced significantly.
It comes with auto-renewal facility.
Only one FASTag per vehicle is permitted to avoid the confusion and ensure accurate toll collection.
Vehicles without FASTags are required to pay double the toll charges, whereas, vehicles with FASTags are exempted from this.
The implementation of FASTags leads to faster and smoother passage.
