The Centre had made it mandatory for all vehicles across the country to be equipped with FASTag and to pay toll charges using the new technology. Any vehicle not having the FASTag is charged double the toll at electronic toll plazas as a penalty. Also, FASTag has been made compulsory for availing third party car insurance policy. Now, to ensure mass adoption of the service in Maharashtra, MSRDC, the state’s road development body, has recently issued a diktat saying only those with FASTag will be eligible for monthly passes on Mumbai’s five major toll plazas. This means those without FASTag fitted on their vehicles cannot purchase a monthly pass to avoid long queues at toll plazas of Vashi, Airoli, Mulund Eastern Express Way, Mulund (LBS Marg) and Dahisar.
FASTag Mandatory Monthly Pass: What’s new in FASTag ruling for Mumbaikars?
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation had announced a new monthly pass facility for commuters in April to get rid of long traffic queues on all five entry points of Mumbai. The pass also offers some concession to the users as they will pay a lesser toll for their daily commute. Now, the state authority has issued another order stating that the monthly pass facility will be available only to the FASTag users. Also, the FASTag account holders can purchase a monthly pass online without having to visit the toll plaza offices.
Monthly toll pass price- How much will you have to pay?
- If you travel through a single toll road, your monthly pass will cost Rs. 1,240
- If there are multiple toll plazas on your way then you’ll have to pay Rs 1,500.
Here’s how you can get FASTag for you vehicle
You can purchase a FASTag either online or offline. The RFID stickers are available with 22 certified banks and can be also obtained through a variety of POS outlets, digital payment apps and National Highway toll plazas.
Documents required for purchasing a FASTag
FASTag is valid for a period of five years from the date of issuance. While purchasing it, you will have to submit copies of following documents:
- Your vehicle registration certificate
- Address proof (Like Voter ID Card, Driving License)
- Identification proof (Like PAN card, Passport, Voter ID Card)
- Passport-size photos
How to activate your FASTag: Here’s what you need to do
After getting the FASTag, you will have to activate it through MyFASTag app. The activation process is simple as you first need to download the MyFASTag app from Play Store or App Store, enter your vehicle details in the app and it will be activated automatically. You only need to recharge your FASTag as per your requirement and the recharge amount can remain in the FASTag account for five years.
Benefits of FASTag- Helps both, the government and the citizens
FASTag is an easy-to-use RFID sticker affixed on your vehicle’s windscreen, enabling auto-deduction of toll charges. Here are some benefits of FASTag:
- Saves fuel and time: You don’t have to wait in queues for long.
- Convenience: It’s automatically scanned and scanned and read by the tag reader.
- Ease of payment: No need to carry cash with you.
- Secure payment system: With auto deduction, fair practice is involved.
- Spend tracking: SMS alerts are sent for all toll transactions
- Increased government revenue: Toll collection has witnessed consistent growth
To Conclude
So, getting a FASTag is convenient and saves your precious time while travelling. However, there are other risks associated with driving on the road and to protect yourself against any unfortunate event like accidents, consider purchasing a car insurance policy. With hundreds of options available online, you could easily be stumped. If you’re confused about which car insurance cover suits you best, Finserv MARKETS can help you!