Motorists await FASTags; Deadline extended to Jan 15!
In a bid to decongest the bottlenecks on the highways, the Centre had introduced FASTag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen that automatically deducts the toll fee and allows the vehicle to move ahead without standing in the queue.
While the motorists are anxiously awaiting FASTag to be implemented at toll plazas, the government is not ready and is extending the deadline repetitively. Yes, the FASTag deadline earlier declared December 15, 2019, has been yet again extended to January 15, 2020!!
Readers may be aware that Home Times is continuously updating our readers about the FASTag. In our previous issue, we had reported December 15, 2019, as the deadline for the mandatory switch to FASTag but, alas, despite December 15 deadline is over, many toll plazas across the country are still not equipped with the FASTag technology. In Mulund, too, the scene at all the three toll plazas viz. Modella Check Naka, Anand Nagar Check Naka and at Airoli Toll Naka are the same. One can observe motorists standing in long queues and there is no provision for the FASTag lanes!!
According to RTO officials, the reason behind the delay in the application of FASTag is that some toll plazas are still not equipped with the sensors while there is still confusion among the employees at the Toll Nakas regarding FASTag rules and regulations. Besides, there are technical glitches within the software of FASTag issuing agencies. In addition, there is a crunch in the availability of FASTag stickers. Also, confusion prevails among motorists about issues like recharge and payment.
As a result, as per the latest information, the FASTag deadline has been again shifted to January 15, 2020. Previously, the government had extended the deadline from December 1 to December 15. As per reports, around 1 crore tags have been issued so far, but since the toll plazas are still not FASTag friendly, hence the government is forced to extend the deadline. However, the government is sure once FASTag starts functioning smoothly, the traffic menace would certainly be reduced.
Mocking at the constant extension of the FASTag deadline, a motorist said, “It is ridiculous that, on the one hand, the government is hell-bent on making the FASTag mandatory while, on the other hand, it is not prepared to handle the demand!”
How to get FASTag?
FAStags are currently issued by 23 certified banks including small finance banks, payments banks and co-operative banks. They can also be obtained from select toll plazas, petrol pumps, RTOs and online from platforms such as Amazon, Airtel Thanks app and Paytm. If you have an Android or iOS device, then you can download the MyFASTag app and then buy from there.
