SHILLONG: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have facilitated easy recharge option to maintain sufficient balance in the account/wallet linked to the FASTag app even as registration of users of the system has started in the state with just four days left before it is implemented from December 1.
All available modes of recharge including debit and credit card, net banking and UPI have been enabled for loading money into the account.
Tourist taxi drivers on the Guwahati-Shillong road have already started registering themselves for the system which is expected to ensure smooth and quick movement at toll plazas.
All lanes at toll fee plazas on national highways in the state will be dedicated as FASTag lanes from December 1 along with the rest of the country.
The new initiative will be applicable in all toll plazas which are functioning in the state including the one on Guwahati-Shillong road, Shillong Bypass and Jowai-Ratcherra road.
A tourist driver said that the system is good as it will reduce the waiting time at toll plazas and they are hoping that the idea is implemented in the best manner. According to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, a FASTag lane in a toll plaza is reserved exclusively for the movement of FASTag users and there is also a provision under the rule according to which non-FASTag users are to be charged double the fee if they pass through FASTag lanes.
One hybrid lane will however be allowed at every toll plaza to facilitate and monitor over dimensional or oversized vehicles, where FASTag and other modes of payment will be accepted. This lane will be converted into FASTag lane in a time-bound manner.
The decision to implement FASTag was taken in order to promote faster payment of fees through the digital mode so that vehicles can move through seamlessly, and traffic jams at the toll plazas can be prevented.
The RFID-based FASTag is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle. It allows for direct payment of fee from the prepaid or savings account linked to it, and enables vehicles to drive through without stopping for transactions.
In order to ensure smooth implementation of the decision, the ministry has asked NHAI to assess the overall requirement of FASTags across the country and make it available in requisite numbers.
