Understanding FASTag
FASTag is an online mode toll fee payment facility that employs the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. It thus automatically deducts toll fees as and when a vehicle passes a toll plaza. The toll station workers employed scan the code and deduct the fee accordingly. In recent years, FASTag has gained immense popularity.
This reloadable tag is fixed on the windshield of your vehicle. Because of FASTag, riding your vehicle through highways across the country has become easier and hassle-free. You are not required to stop making payments. However, maintaining a sufficient balance in the FASTag account is essential to continue the journey seamlessly.
How Does a FASTag Work?
When you pass any national highway with your vehicle, the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) department deducts the toll payment. Let us now look further into how a FASTag works in detail:
Step 1: The tag readers installed at the ETC lane entail details of the FASTag
Step 2: All detailed information retrieved from the tag is then sent to the issuing agency or bank for further processing of payment
Step 3: For validation of the FASTag details, the bank sends information to the NETC
Step 4: Once NETC validates the details, you will receive the FASTag status details of the category of vehicle, and registration for further confirmation
Step 5: If the FASTag is not registered, this message will be sent to the bank and steps will be taken to initiate vehicle registration ID
Step 6: If the registration ID is valid, the toll fee for the category of vehicle is calculated and further payment is initiated
Step 7: Once the toll fee is deducted, the issuer will be sent an SMS alert with confirmation of payment
Step 8: The issuer then sends a final confirmation to the NETC system and the toll plaza system is then further informed
Top Reasons to Use FASTag
There are several reasons to use a FASTag. Let us explore the underlying reasons and benefits of FASTag in detail:
With FASTag, you need not pay through cash at toll plazas. Thus, you can go cashless and travel long distances by paying online.
Irrespective of whether you are willing to check your FASTag status, recharge it, or check your balance, online mode is easy and convenient.
Because of the FASTag scanner, paying taxes is hassle-free even when the car is moving. Thus, for paying toll taxes at respective toll plazas, you need not wait in long queues for hours. This thereby helps you to save both time and fuel.
Because of payment of taxes digitally, less congestion is possible at toll plazas. Installing FASTag in your vehicle lets you pay taxes without waiting. Thus it leads to less congestion and a smooth flow of traffic.
Different Ways to Check FASTag Balance Status
Checking and reviewing the balance and transaction history in your FASTag account is essential. Let’s look into the different modes of checking your FASTag balance:
Checking FASTag Balance through SMS
Every time, the vehicle approaches a toll plaza and after the deduction of the toll fee, an SMS alert is sent to the registered contact number. Follow the below steps to check FASTag balance through SMS:
Step 1: Visit the inbox section on your registered mobile number
Step 2: Find out the most recent FASTag deduction message on your phone
Step 3: You can find out the last deducted amount and the wallet balance status with other details mentioned
Checking FASTag Balance on an Online Website
To check the FASTag balance, you can visit the official portal of FASTag. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made it mandatory to recharge and check out the balance through linked bank accounts only.
Here are the ways to check Your FASTag status online:
Step 1: Visit the respective website of the tag issuer bank or mobile wallet to gain access to the FASTag portal
Step 2: Enter all valid credentials to complete with login process
Step 3: To check out the balance details, click on ‘View Balance’
Checking FASTag Balance Through Email
Here are the details you should follow to check your balance through email:
Step 1: Visit the respective inbox of your registered email ID
Step 2: Search for the recent mail stating the deduction of the toll fee
Step 3: Find out the FASTag balance in that respective email
Checking FASTag Balance Through Phone Call
Contacting customer care is another way of checking the FASTag balance. There is a toll-free contact number available to let customers avail the service. Follow the below steps to find out the FASTag balance through call:
Step 1: Create a FASTag account through the portal, register your phone number
Step 2: Give a missed call to the toll-free number: +91-8884333331
Step 3: You will receive an SMS alert in your contact number with full balance details
Checking FASTag Balance via ‘My FASTag App’
To check the FASTag balance, install the ‘My FASTag app' on your smartphone device following the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the Apple Store or Play Store and download the My FASTag app
Step 2: Once you install the app, provide your details and complete the registration
Step 3: Select the bank providing you with the FASTag service
Step 4: Provide the registration number of your vehicle and mention the UPI ID of the provided tag
Step 5: Choose the 'Validate' option and proceed further with the app
Step 6: Once you complete the login process, check out the FASTag balance amount
Check FASTag Balance Through Customer Care Helpline
There prevails a FASTag helpline number initiated by The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In this helpline number, vehicle owners can lodge complaints at toll plazas. The number is however the same for all toll plazas that MoRTH and IHMCL maintain. The FASTag helpline number is 1033. You can dial this number from either your mobile or landline when faced with the following issues:
If your vehicle is not allowed to cross through the toll plaza because of FASTag blacklisting although the tag is not blacklisted
When the toll plaza is not accepting FASTag anymore
The FASTag scanner is inaccessible and unable to read the tag
The toll plaza is not considering the monthly pass issuance
The customer contact number 1033 is valid for FASTag at National Highway Toll Plazas.
Final Words
In conclusion, for a hassle-free toll plaza experience, make sure to understand how to check FASTag status and balance. Now since there are so many ways to monitor your FASTag, it's really handy thanks to SMS, websites, mobile applications, and missed call services, among other options. Keep yourself updated on your status and balance to prevent unforeseen delays and guarantee hassle-free travel.
Do not forget to maintain your contact information current with your issuer and to give priority to the protection of your FASTag information. The procedure may be made simpler by implementing proactive balance management techniques like auto-recharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
