The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently rolled out an important initiative called “One Vehicle, One FASTag”. This policy, effective from April 1, 2024, aims to address several critical issues related to the use of FASTags on Indian highways. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this policy, its implications, and what it means for both commuters and the overall toll collection system.
Why “One Vehicle, One FASTag”?
The decision to implement the “One Vehicle, One FASTag” policy stems from several concerns:
- Misuse of FASTags: There have been instances where a single FASTag was used across multiple vehicles. This not only violates the guidelines set by the *Reserve Bank of India (RBI) but also leads to confusion and inefficiencies at toll plazas.
- Incomplete KYC Process: Some FASTags were issued without completing the mandatory *Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This lack of proper documentation poses risks and undermines the integrity of the system.
- Delays at Toll Plazas: Users failing to affix FASTags properly on their vehicle windshields caused delays at toll plazas, inconveniencing other highway users.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
Here are the essential points you need to know about the “One Vehicle, One FASTag” policy:
- Individual FASTag per Vehicle: Under this policy, each vehicle should have *only one active FASTag associated with it. Any previous FASTags linked to the same vehicle will be deactivated.
- KYC Compliance: NHAI urges all FASTag users to complete their *KYC process as per RBI guidelines. FASTags without completed KYC will be deactivated or blacklisted by banks after February 29, 2024.
- Recharging FASTags: Users can recharge their FASTags using any bank’s services (such as BBPS, UPI, or net banking). However, the focus is on maintaining one active FASTag per vehicle.
- Checking Linked FASTags: Users can verify the status of FASTags linked to their vehicle by visiting the official link provided by the *Indian Highways Management Company (IHCML) and entering their vehicle details.
- Vehicle-Specific Issuance: Each FASTag is issued based on the vehicle’s *Registration Certificate (RC) copy. Mismatches will result in the FASTag being blacklisted by the issuer bank.
- KYC Updates: If users haven’t updated their KYC after two years, they will be restricted from recharging their wallet. However, they can still use the existing balance for toll transactions until their tags are marked as “Low Balance” and blocked.
The “One Vehicle, One FASTag” initiative is a significant step toward transparency, efficiency, and compliance in toll collection. By adhering to this policy, users can contribute to smoother traffic flow, reduced waiting times, and a more streamlined highway experience. So, if you’re a FASTag user, ensure your compliance with the guidelines and enjoy hassle-free journeys on India’s highways! 🚗🛣