Starting April 1, 2025, the Maharashtra government has enacted a new set of FASTag rules, mandating all vehicles to be FASTagged in all toll plazas within the state. This would interest frequent travelers as much as it impacts their travel experience through toll booths.
As such, missing a FASTag might now cost a double toll, so you must act quickly to make your vehicle compliant.
Why Has FASTag Been Made Mandatory in Maharashtra?
The primary focus of revising the rules is primarily towards making toll plazas less congested and faster lane traffic. This has introduced another benefit: the FASTag in toll plazas: Fast Payments Technology. Previously, the smaller toll booths in Maharashtra were not yet strict regarding the enforcement of the FASTag.
With the new mandate, all toll plazas in Maharashtra will now require every vehicle passing through them to have a valid FASTag. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have one, you will still be able to pass through the toll plaza, but you will have to pay a fine, about double the toll fee.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a FASTag?
- Double Toll Charge: All vehicles without FASTag are levied for their passage, double the original toll charge.
- Cash Payment Still Allowed: This applies to the national highways under FASTag-credited entrance, but Maharashtra would still entertain cash payments, but at a higher cost.
- No Denial of Entry: You will not be restricted but only pay an additional fee as a price for non-compliance.
What Is FASTag and How Does It Work?
FASTag is a small electronic tag using passport-Radio Frequency Identification technology. It is attached to the windshield of your vehicle and automatically deducts the amount when you pass through a toll plaza.
Key Benefits of FASTag
- No More Long Queues: Avoid waiting in long lines in cash lanes.
- Seamless Payments: Automatic deductions mean no stopping for transactions.
- Recharge just like prepaid mobile, with the same convenient online options: top-up your FASTag wallet through UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.
- Linked to Bank Account (Optional): Some may connect FASTag directly to their bank accounts for auto-debit when the balance is low.
How to Get FASTag Before Your Next Trip
If you haven’t yet, this is what you should do now:
- Buy FASTag from authorized banks, online platforms (Amazon, Paytm), or toll plazas.
- Register & Activate by linking to its vehicle’s registration details.
- Recharge regularly to avoid insufficient balance issues.
Final Thoughts
The new FASTag rule in Maharashtra gives a significant advancement in terms of cashless toll transactions. You can still make cash payments, but using FASTag would be wiser, considering that it saves one from incurring a double charge penalty. So, if you haven’t installed one yet, go ahead and do it without wasting any more time for that necessary expense on your next journey.