Fastag is fixed to the windscreens of the vehicles, and payments are made through the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. These fastag accounts are directly linked to an online prepaid account. In simpler words, when the vehicle crosses or drives through the toll plaza, the payment gets deducted automatically from the account, saving time and effort. The drivers do not have to stay in large queues, nor do they have to stop and wait for the staff to ensure the collection of toll money. Once the Fastag account gets activated, the money gets automatically deducted from the vehicle’s online account every time they pass through a toll plaza where the Fastag system is enabled.
What is Fastag?
Fastag is an electronic toll collection method introduced in India, and it is very well operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). As per the survey, it has been noted that the Fastag technology has been installed at about 615 toll plazas spread all over the Indian national highways. Fastag is a small tag attached to the vehicles, facilitating easy tax collection from the drivers.
NPCI (National Payment Corporation of India) and NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) ensure the system’s smooth working, and about 23 banks are associated with this advanced digital technology. The main aim of this technology is to reduce and completely remove human intervention while collecting funds at the toll plazas. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is the backbone of the Fastag system.
How to Recharge Fastag Online?
This newly introduced technology in the Indian economy has proven beneficial for the public who must travel within the Indian states. It has been made mandatory by the Indian government for both commercial and private vehicles throughout the country. Every vehicle owner should purchase a fastag and get it fixed to their respective vehicles, but the process does not end there. One can recharge Fastags online via various apps, like PhonePe, Paytm, etc., and use their bank’s netbanking app. We are going to mention each step in detail below. Read on!
Different Ways to Recharge Fastag Online
The different ways a user can recharge their Fastag online include the various net banking sites. Some main ways include Digital Wallet Apps, Net Banking, HDFC Bank Pay Zapp, UPI Applications, FASTag Website, Auto-debit, NEFT/RTGS, Quick Recharge, and via Fastag official site.
Recharging Fastag Through Mobile App
- Download the Fastag mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and login with your registered mobile number and password.
- Click on the ‘Recharge’ option on the home screen.
- Enter the recharge amount and select the payment method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI).
- Enter the necessary details and complete the payment.
- Once the payment is successful, your Fastag account will be recharged with the specified amount.
- You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email address.
Note: Make sure that your mobile number is registered with your Fastag account before attempting to recharge through the mobile app.
Recharging Fastag Through Website
To recharge your Fastag account through the website, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official Fastag website of your issuing bank or the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) website.
- Click on the ‘Recharge’ option on the homepage.
- Enter your Fastag account number and click on ‘Proceed.’
- Select the recharge amount and payment method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI).
- Enter the necessary details and complete the payment.
- Once the payment is successful, your Fastag account will be recharged with the specified amount.
- You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email address.
Note: Make sure that you have a valid login ID and password for the Fastag website of your issuing bank. Also, ensure that your mobile number is registered with your Fastag account before attempting to recharge through the website.
Recharging Fastag Through Net Banking
To recharge your Fastag account through net banking, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your bank’s net banking portal using your user ID and password.
- Navigate to the net banking portal’s ‘Fastag’ or ‘Electronic Toll Collection’ section.
- Select the option to recharge your Fastag account.
- Enter your Fastag account number and the recharge amount.
- Select the payment mode (credit/debit card or net banking).
- Enter the necessary details and complete the payment.
- Once the payment is successful, your Fastag account will be recharged with the specified amount.
- You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email address.
Note: Make sure that your bank provides the facility of recharging Fastag through net banking. Also, ensure that your mobile number is registered with your Fastag account before attempting to recharge through net banking.
Recharging Fastag Through UPI
To recharge your Fastag account through UPI, follow these simple steps:
- Open your UPI-enabled mobile banking app.
- Select the ‘UPI’ or ‘BHIM UPI’ option from the menu.
- Enter your Fastag issuer’s UPI ID, usually in the format of ‘NETC.’ followed by your Fastag account number, and click ‘Verify.’
- Once your Fastag account details are verified, enter the recharge amount and complete the payment.
- Once the payment is successful, your Fastag account will be recharged with the specified amount.
- You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email address.
Note: Make sure that your Fastag issuer provides the facility of recharging Fastag through UPI. Also, ensure your mobile number is registered with your Fastag account before recharging through UPI.
Also Read: Where Is UPI ID: How to Find UPI ID in Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm
How to check the fastag balance after recharge?
To check your Fastag balance after recharge, you can follow these simple steps:
- Download the Fastag mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or log in to the Fastag website of your issuing bank.
- Log in to the app or website using your registered mobile number and password.
- On the home screen, you can see your Fastag account balance.
- If you use the Fastag mobile app, you can check your account balance by clicking on the ‘Account Balance’ option on the home screen.
- Alternatively, you can also check your Fastag account balance by visiting the toll plaza where you last used your Fastag. The balance will be displayed on the LED screen at the toll plaza.
Note: It is important to keep your Fastag account recharged at all times to avoid inconvenience and penalty charges at the toll plaza.
FAQs
1. Why was Fastag introduced?
Fastag was introduced in India to ensure the smooth functioning of national highway traffic. It is a well-equipped cashless model which prevents drivers from stopping at each toll plaza in India. It comes with the main purpose of saving time, Fastag enables the driver to travel without stopping at every toll plaza.
The Fastag is fixed at the user’s windshield and the toll amount gets deducted automatically with the help of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The long waiting queues and traffic jams could easily be avoided due to this innovative technology.
2. What if your Fastag is not recharged?
If your Fastag is not recharged or if the balance is low, then it gets blocked till the user recharges it the desired top-up amount using the help of the various recharge facilities. The Fastag does not take too long to get reactivated, it takes around 10 minutes after the user carries out the recharge process successfully.
3. Is Fastag going to be removed?
There is no solid information about the removal of the Fastag from the Indian Government. However, as per the online news, it is stated that the government hopes to replace the Fastag system with a more efficient GPS (Global Positioning System) based toll system, which will ensure better vehicle movement on the national highways and would better the payment system as well. The newly formed plans will completely remove the toll plazas from all the National Highways nationwide.
4. How long does it take for the FASTag balance to reflect after recharge?
The time taken for the Fastag balance to reflect after recharge may vary depending on the mode of recharge and the issuing bank. Generally, the Fastag balance should reflect immediately after a successful recharge through the Fastag mobile app, website, or UPI. However, in some cases, it may take up to 30 minutes for the balance to reflect.
5. What is the minimum and maximum amount that can be recharged through different modes?
The minimum and maximum amount that can be recharged through different modes of recharge for Fastag are as follows:
- Fastag Mobile App: The minimum recharge amount is Rs. 100, and the maximum recharge amount is Rs. 1,00,000.
- Fastag Website: The minimum recharge amount may vary depending on the issuing bank, but it is generally between Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The maximum recharge amount is Rs. 1,00,000.
- Net Banking: The minimum recharge amount may vary depending on the issuing bank, but it is generally between Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The maximum recharge amount is Rs. 1,00,000.
- UPI: The minimum recharge amount may vary depending on the issuing bank, but it is generally between Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The maximum recharge amount is Rs. 1,00,000.
Note: The minimum and maximum recharge amounts may vary depending on the issuing bank, and it is always best to check with your issuing bank for the exact details.
6. Is there any validity period for the balance in the FASTag account?
Yes, there is a validity period for the balance in the Fastag account. As per the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) guidelines, the validity period for the balance in a Fastag account is 5 years from the date of recharge. This means that if you have recharged your Fastag account today, the balance will be valid for the next 5 years from today’s date.
7. What happens if the FASTag balance becomes zero while passing through a toll plaza?
If the Fastag balance becomes zero while passing through a toll plaza, the Fastag will become inactive, and you will have to pay the toll amount in cash. In such a scenario, the toll plaza operator will issue a one-time tag to you, and you will have to recharge your Fastag account within a certain period, as specified by your issuing bank, to avoid any penalty charges.
8.Can FASTag be recharged using cash at the toll plaza?
Yes, FASTag can be recharged using cash at the toll plaza. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made arrangements for cash recharge of FASTag at toll plazas to facilitate commuters who may not have access to other modes of recharge such as net banking, UPI, or credit/debit card.
9. Is there any customer support available for FASTag users to resolve recharge-related queries?
Yes, customer support is available for FASTag users to resolve recharge-related queries. You can contact the customer care of your issuing bank or the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for assistance regarding any issues related to FASTag recharge.
