Gadkari Unveils Vision To Expand FASTag Use Beyond Toll Collection

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced plans to broaden the application of FASTag beyond toll payments, aiming to transform the electronic toll collection system into a comprehensive digital mobility solution for Indian road users. The move is part of the government’s push toward seamless transport integration and smarter road infrastructure.

 

Proposed Use Cases For FASTag Expansion

 

* FASTag may soon be used for fuel payments at petrol pumps, enabling contactless refueling transactions

* Integration with parking systems is under consideration for both public and private parking lots to allow automatic fee deductions

* Plans are underway to use FASTag for entry and exit payments at gated communities, office campuses, and smart cities

* Future applications may include payment for drive-through services, food courts, and EV charging stations along highways

 

Benefits To Road Users And Operators

 

* Expansion will reduce the need for multiple payment methods at different checkpoints, enhancing user convenience

* Enables faster traffic flow and reduced congestion at fuel stations, parking areas, and service lanes

* Empowers fleet operators and logistics companies with centralized transaction tracking and cost optimization

* Digital receipts and transaction histories will be available through linked mobile apps, aiding in expense management

 

Government And Industry Collaboration

 

* The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working closely with NPCI, NHAI, and banking partners to develop the integrated payment infrastructure

* Pilot projects for parking and fuel payments using FASTag have already been initiated in select cities

* Banks and digital wallet providers are being encouraged to create unified interfaces to support the multi-use FASTag ecosystem

 

Strategic Roadmap And Policy Vision

 

* The broader aim is to evolve FASTag into a nationwide mobility wallet, in line with India’s Digital India and Smart Transport initiatives

* The government envisions a unified system that reduces cash transactions, improves compliance, and supports real-time data capture for planning and analytics

* Guidelines for the expansion of FASTag use cases are expected to be finalized in consultation with stakeholders over the coming months

 

About FASTag

FASTag is a prepaid tag-based system for automatic toll collection operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and powered by NPCI. It uses RFID technology and is mandatory for all vehicles on national highways. The system is now being positioned as a key enabler of digital mobility infrastructure in India.

 

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Economic Times, Moneycontrol, Business Standard, Times of India