NHAI strengthens process to curb and blacklist ‘loose FASTags’

New Delhi, July 11:  To improve toll operations and enhance the reporting of ‘loose FASTags’ commonly known as “tag-in-hand”, NHAI has streamlined its policy, for the toll collection agencies and concessionaires to promptly report and blacklist such FASTags.

In view of the upcoming initiatives like Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability, an official statement said.

FASTags are sometimes deliberately not fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle by the owners. Such practices pose operational challenges leading to lane congestion, generation of false chargebacks, misuse in closed loop tolling system, causing overall disruption of the electronic toll collection framework, resulting in unnecessary delays at toll plazas and inconvenience to other National Highway users.

To ensure timely corrective measures, NHAI has provided a dedicated email ID and has directed the toll collection agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report such FASTags. Based on the reports received, NHAI will take immediate action to initiate blacklisting of the reported FASTags.

With penetration rate of over 98 percent, FASTag has revolutionised the electronic toll collection system in the country. Loose FASTags or “tag-in-hand” pose a challenge to the efficiency of electronic toll collection operations.

This initiative will help to make toll operations more efficient, ensuring seamless and comfortable journeys for the National Highway users.