Maharashtra to mandate FASTag for all vehicles starting April 1, 2025

Mumbai: The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday announced that FASTag will become mandatory for all vehicles in the state starting April 1, 2025.

FASTag is a passive RFID tag used for making toll payments directly from the customer’s linked prepaid, savings, or current account. Affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, it enables seamless passage through toll plazas without stopping for cash payments. The toll fare is automatically deducted from the linked account, ensuring convenience for the customer.

Each FASTag is vehicle-specific and cannot be transferred to another vehicle once affixed. Customers can purchase FASTags from any NETC (National Electronic Toll Collection) member bank.

If the FASTag is linked to a prepaid account, it must be recharged or topped up based on usage.

If a customer does not maintain an adequate balance, the FASTag is blacklisted at the toll plaza. In such cases, the customer will be unable to use NETC services and will need to pay the toll fare in cash.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed the NETC program to meet the electronic tolling needs of the Indian market. It provides an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution, including clearinghouse services for settlement and dispute management.

Interoperability in the NETC system ensures that customers can use their FASTag for toll payments at any toll plaza across the country, regardless of which entity manages the toll plaza.

By employing RFID technology, FASTag allows toll payments to be made while the vehicle is in motion. Along with the convenience of cashless payments, FASTag offers additional benefits such as savings on fuel and time, as drivers no longer need to stop at toll plazas.

The implementation of mandatory FASTags in Maharashtra is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, making travel smoother for all road users.