Still on FASTag – No GPS-Based Tolling from May 1

Amidst reports of FASTag to be replaced with GPS-based tolling system, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) clarified that no decision has been made to implement satellite-based tolling system from May 1, 2025.

The Ministry affirmed that neither it nor the NHAI has taken any decision to replace the FASTag system of toll collection. Instead, MoRTH said that there were plans to introduce an ‘ANPR-FASTag based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ at select toll plazas to enable seamless, barrier-free vehicle movement and reduce travel time without any delays. This system will work on integration of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) FASTag framework.

As part of it, special high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers would be installed to identify the vehicles and tolls would be deducted without the need for the vehicles to stop. Motorists violating the rules would get E-notices. In case of non-payment, FASTags would be suspended and other penalties would be imposed under the VAHAN system.

According to sources, the NHAI had already invited bids for the deployment of the ANPR-FASTag based system at selected toll plazas. Basing on the response, the new system will be expanded to other toll plazas and then rolled out in the entire country. All the toll plazas on national highways operate on the ICD 2.5 protocol, providing real-time tag status updates.

Customers can link their FASTag wallets to UP, saving or current account with auto-recharge settings, eliminating the need for manual top-ups.