What is the "One Vehicle One FASTag" initiative?

The "One Vehicle, One FASTag" initiative has been launched by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The aim of the initiative is to discourage users from using various FASTags for a single vehicle or one FAStag for a variety of vehicles.

The National Highways Authority of India is encouraging the FASTags users to finish their FASTag "Know Your Customer (KYC)" process of their FASTags as soon as possible according to the guidelines by RBI.

Also, it is important to note that the FASTags having sufficient balance but incomplete KYC will be deactivated by the banks after January 31, 2024.

Understanding FASTags and their uses

FASTag as a device makes use of Radio Frequency Identification technology. This technology is employed for making direct toll payments when the vehicle is actually in motion.

The availability of FASTags is facilitated with the help of two mobile applications. These mobile applications are the FASTag Partner and the MyFASTag. These applications have been launched by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The FASTags are made valid for a period of 5 years from the very date of issuance.

The color codes for FASTags

FASTags are not of the same color. There are different color codes of FASTags, signifying different details.

The violet-colored FASTags are meant for vehicles like cars, vans, Tate Ace, jeeps, and various other mini light commercial vehicles. The orange-colored FASTags are meant for the mini busses and light commercial vehicles 2-axle.

Next comes the yellow colored FASTags, meant for bus 3-axle, and truck 3-axle.

The green-colored FASTags are actually meant for the Bus 2-axle and truck 2-axle.

The pink-colored FASTags are given to vehicles such as tractors and trucks 4-axle, Truck 5-axle, and Truck 6 axle. Tractors with trailers are also given the pink-colored FASTags.

The blue-colored FASTags are given to truck 7- axle and above.

The heavy construction machinery and earth moving vehicles are given with the black colored FASTags.

The advantages of FASTags

FASTags provides immense convenience for cashless payment at the toll fee. It also fosters traffic management, as it provides less traffic congestion. Before FASTags were of common use, there existed congestion near the toll plazas, but the advent of FASTags solved the problem. Yes, FASTags provide non-stop motion of vehicles near the toll plazas.

FASTags are not only useful for road users but are also important for toll operators. The FASTafs provide for enhanced audit control via centralized user accounts. It also lowers the operating costs.

Apart from these basic advantages, FASTags also provide additional benefits to the government. For instance, it provides savings on fuel. Moreover, it offers the benefit of reduced emissions. Not to miss, the FASTags provide for better transparency of toll transactions.