NHAI extended the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative compliance deadline to March-end, in view of the problems being faced by Paytm FASTag users.

NHAI Implements ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Rule to Streamline Toll Collection. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative to bolster the efficiency of toll collection systems across the country. This regulation aims to curb the misuse of FASTags and ensure fair toll payments by mandating that each vehicle must have only one FASTag associated with it.

NHAI’s decision to enforce this rule comes after extending the compliance deadline to the end of March, following issues faced by users of Paytm FASTags. With this initiative, NHAI intends to streamline toll plaza operations and minimize congestion by discouraging the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a single vehicle.

Effective from April 1, motorists with multiple FASTags for a single vehicle will no longer be able to utilize all of them. This move underscores NHAI’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electronic toll collection systems and ensuring a seamless travel experience for commuters.

Furthermore, NHAI’s initiative aligns with the recent recommendation by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for customers and merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to transition their accounts to other banks by March 15. The move aims to address any potential issues and streamline the adoption of the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule.

FASTag, operating on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, has revolutionized toll payment systems in India, boasting a penetration rate of approximately 98% and serving over 8 crore users. By allowing toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings accounts, FASTag offers a convenient and efficient toll collection experience for motorists nationwide.