FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based system which makes use of an RFID sticker which is unique for every vehicle and is scanned at every toll plaza a car crosses. This system is soon going to go obsolete soon and will be introduced with a more efficient system. Stay tuned to know more about the end of FASTag and the replacement technology.
In the current scenario, the toll charges for every vehicle of a similar category on the road are the same. It does not matter if the journey begins and ends at a farther or a much earlier destination. This taxation basis is somewhat unfair for some commuters and is at times beneficial for some. So as to end this ambiguity while charging for the toll tax, the government has decided to charge toll for vehicles on the basis of number of kilometres a car has run instead of a static stretch of distance.
This system has already been adopted in many European countries and Russia, and has proved to be effective. Analysing the benefits of this setup, the government of India is also planning to introduce this system to the Indian Highways. This decision will also help to extinguish the amount of agony the commuters have to face due to the increased toll charges since April 1, 2022.
To enforce this system effectively, the vehicles will be fitted with a satellite navigation system. With this advanced system, the total distance travelled on a highway or an expressway would be calculated and the toll tax would be charged accordingly. In European countries like Germany, almost all the vehicles are equipped with this satellite navigation system. The tax calculator clocks in as soon as the vehicle enters a tolled road and the toll amount is deducted from the account as soon as the vehicle steps off and diverts to an untold road. In India as almost all the vehicles are equipped with a FASTag, this deduction would take place from the bank account or payment wallet connected to the FASTag itself. Thus, FASTag won't officially end but the procedure of using FASTag at toll plazas might end soon!
Also Read: FASTag helps stolen Mahindra Scorpio to be recovered in Mumbai
In addition, this can also increase the level of tracking of the vehicles as a particular car would now be tracked at multiple sections, and the path can be tracked at the backend. It would not be just the toll plazas, shopping mall parking lots, fuel stations etc., where the FASTag would be punched. This satellite navigation system can also reduce car thefts in India and can make a vehicle more secure along with active road side assistance as the authorities would be able to reach the location of an incident with the precise location on a motorway. Moreover, this setup can also make motorway commutes more stress free as there won't be any queues at any toll plazas.
Also Read: FASTag Evolving As A Cashless And Contactless Payment Option
So, what do you think about the end of conventional FASTag? Share your views in the comment section. Let's get into a discussion with this in our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group, where you can know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride, and much more! You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel for our exclusive video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
