FASTag mandatory from April 1, 2025, know important updates

Maharashtra government has taken an important decision for the drivers. FASTag has been made mandatory for all vehicles in the state from April 1, 2025. The purpose of this decision is to reduce traffic jams, save fuel, and save time. This proposal was approved in the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. It is pasted on the windscreen of the vehicle, and when the vehicle passes through the toll plaza, it automatically deducts the toll amount.

• How does it work?
  • FASTag sticker is equipped with RFID technology.
  • As soon as the vehicle passes the toll plaza, the sticker is scanned.
  • Toll tax is automatically deducted from the respective account of the vehicle owner.

Why is FASTag mandatory?

This step of Maharashtra government has been taken with the aim of solving traffic jams and environmental problems.

1. Time Saving:
   • FASTag will eliminate queues of vehicles at toll plazas.
   • The time to cross the toll will be reduced to a few seconds.
2. Fuel Saving:
   • Long queues and frequent stopping of vehicles lead to high fuel consumption.
   • This problem will be solved by FASTag system.
3. Promotion of digital payments:
   • Digital transactions will be promoted instead of cash payments.

What will happen if there is no FASTag?

1. Double toll:
   • If FASTag is not on the vehicle or it is not working, double toll fee will have to be paid.
2. Strictness of cash payment:
   • Paying toll through cash, smart card, or other means will also attract double the charge.

Toll booth status in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra:

• 23 toll booths of Public Works Department (PWD).
• 50 toll booths of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

FASTag system will be implemented at all these booths.

E-Cabinet: Digital Revolution in Administration

Maharashtra government plans to implement e-cabinet system to reduce the use of paper in cabinet meetings.

1. Uses of Smart Tablet:
   • Smart tablets will be used in place of traditional documents.
2. Transparency in government work:
   • A special portal will be created to convey cabinet decisions to the citizens.
3. environmental awareness:
   • This initiative will be environmentally sustainable as the use of paper will reduce.

What changes will FASTag bring?

1. Reduction in jam:
   • There will be less queues of vehicles at the toll plaza, which will solve the traffic problem.
2. Convenience and Speed:
   • Vehicles will get the facility to cross the toll plaza without stopping.
3. Relief to drivers:
   • Time and fuel will be saved.

How to get FASTag?

1. From Banks and Portals:
   • Banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI issue FASTag.
   • It can also be purchased from the official portal of the government.
2. Link to Digital Wallet:
   • FASTag can be linked to digital wallets like Paytm, PhonePe.
3. Online Recharge:
   • Recharging FASTag account online is easy.