FASTag Now Mandatory To Avail Return Trip, Other Discounts On Toll Plaza

In another attempt to promote the use of digital toll payments through FASTag, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has now limited the return trip and other such toll discounts to only FASTag users. The move has been brought to effect through a Gazette notification dated August 24.

In essence, this means that any vehicle expecting a discount at toll plazas should be having a FASTag. These discounts can be in the form of reduced fee for passengers returning through the toll on the same day or other such local exemptions.

"The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made the use of FASTag mandatory for availing return journey discount or any other exemptions on Toll Fee Plazas. Users who wish to claim a discount for making a return journey within 24 hours or any other local exemptions, shall be required to have a valid functional FASTag on the vehicle," MoRTH said in a recent statement.

Discounted trips

Toll booths with dedicated FASTag lanes. (Image: BCCL)

In addition to promoting the use of FASTag, the move is meant to automate the process of discounts offered to toll users. ¡°For discount on return journey within 24 hours, it would be through FASTag or such other device and automatic and no requirement for a pass,¡± the statement mentions.

The fee towards such discounts shall be paid through prepaid methods, smart card or through FASTag or on-board unit (transponder).

The government had mandated the use of FASTag in the country last year after several extensions to the deadline. The RFID based tag enables a quick processing of toll fee online through digital payment methods and is hence aimed to cut down on the turnaround time for each vehicle crossing a toll.

(With inputs from PTI)