Traveling nowadays has become super easy since the technology of online FASTag came into existence. Long gone are the days when people had to keep loose money in the dashboard in order to pass via the toll plazas. Just a simple tag on your car’s windscreen helps you cross the toll plaza in less than five seconds.
However, as per the government norms, if by any chance your balance is low or you don’t have FASTag on your vehicle, you’ll have to pay double the amount.
What is FASTag?
It is basically a Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) introduced during late 2017 in order to cut down travel time and waiting time at toll plazas. If you own a four-wheeler, then you might be well aware of the inconvenience you get to face while approaching the toll plazas. This is where this technology steps in.
In simple terms, it is a tag affixed to your windscreen and is prepaid for toll collection while traveling. Further, it has no expiry date and can be used as long as it is readable by the RFID scanners at toll plazas.
What are its advantages?
- Super convenient
When you have it attached to your car’s windshield, there is no need to worry about carrying cash. Who carries cash in 2023? Isn’t that right? You can simply recharge it only via several applications such as Bajaj Finserv, Paytm etc., and even the balance can be checked easily. I personally use the Bajaj Finserv app for FASTag recharge online.
- Saves precious time
As it allows cashless transactions at toll plazas, it offers a seamless passage through the plazas. This helps in saving a lot of time by reducing traffic congestion due to the waiting time at plazas.
- Environmentally friendly
Cutting down on toll slips which causes a lot of paper wastage, and less waiting time at plazas ultimately proves that this is an environmentally friendly system. Also, it lowers vehicle emissions, contributing majorly to environmental sustainability.
- Digital Transactions
It undoubtedly promotes the use of digital payment and contributes significantly to the government push for a cashless economy.
How does FASTAG calculate charges for roundtrip?
Keep in mind that the calculation of FASTag roundtrip charges in India typically depends on the policies as well as guidelines set by the specific implementing authority.
Some toll plazas have a clear system where a single toll is deducted from your account when you enter the plaza. This toll tends to cover both your entry as well as exit and is quite simple, as the users need not worry about separate deductions.
Furthermore, in other cases, the toll plaza authorities might deduct the entry toll when you pass through the toll booth to enter the highway. So, when you exit it at the return booth, a second deduction might be made. This approach basically considers the distance traveled and, most importantly, the type of vehicle in order to calculate the toll charges accurately.
Conclusion
Understanding the complete procedure of online FASTag is not rocket science. Since this technology has come into existence, there is no doubt in the fact that travelling has become super convenient and much time-saving. So, if you still don’t have a FASTag affixed to your windscreen, apply for one!