The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has ruled out rumors that FASTag will be discontinued on May 1, 2025.
The ministry confirmed in a statement issued on friday that there are no immediate plans to phase out FASTag or switch it out for a satellite-based tolling system. The public has been cautioned by the authorities not to trust false information or viral messaging that assert "no more FASTag from May."
No Nationwide Rollout Yet
According to the ministry, FASTag is still in use and required for toll payments nationwide, even as new technologies are investigated. Ongoing pilot tests of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, which are being tested at specific toll plazas to supplement FASTag rather than replace it, gave rise to the conjecture.
What's the Hybrid or ANPR Tolling System?
Instead of eliminating FASTag, the government is testing a hybrid tolling scheme that combines ANPR technology with the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag. Barrier-less toll collection is made possible by this configuration, in which high-resolution cameras scan license plates and sync the results with FASTag accounts to enable smooth toll deduction.
This model's capabilities are being assessed to:
Lessen traffic at toll booths
Accelerate the movement of the vehicle
Provide a more seamless, uninterrupted tolling experience.
However, MoRTH has clarified that no final decision regarding nationwide adoption has been taken and that this is merely a test phase.
Warnings for Non-Compliance
Although there isn't currently a substitute for FASTag, the ministry did note that car owners are responsible for ensuring compliance under the hybrid system. Infractions of toll payment procedures may result in e-notices, the suspension of a FASTag, or even fines under the VAHAN vehicle registration database.
Don't Fall for Misinformation
The Ministry urgently cautioned users against believing rumors that FASTag was being discontinued. Only official channels will be used to disseminate updates regarding modifications to the tolling system. Motorists are urged to stay informed by visiting morth.nic.in and www.nhai.gov.in.
FASTag is not currently being phased out.
Pilot testing is underway for the combined ANPR + FASTag system.
There is no set date for the nationwide launch.
Claim: Starting on May 1, 2025, the government plans to replace the FASTag system with a satellite-based tolling system throughout India.
Fact Check: False. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has clarified that no such decision has been made, and FASTag will continue to be in use even after May 1, 2025.
The ministry confirmed in a statement issued on friday that there are no immediate plans to phase out FASTag or switch it out for a satellite-based tolling system. The public has been cautioned by the authorities not to trust false information or viral messaging that assert "no more FASTag from May."
No Nationwide Rollout Yet
According to the ministry, FASTag is still in use and required for toll payments nationwide, even as new technologies are investigated. Ongoing pilot tests of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, which are being tested at specific toll plazas to supplement FASTag rather than replace it, gave rise to the conjecture.
What's the Hybrid or ANPR Tolling System?
Instead of eliminating FASTag, the government is testing a hybrid tolling scheme that combines ANPR technology with the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag. Barrier-less toll collection is made possible by this configuration, in which high-resolution cameras scan license plates and sync the results with FASTag accounts to enable smooth toll deduction.
This model's capabilities are being assessed to:
Lessen traffic at toll booths
Accelerate the movement of the vehicle
Provide a more seamless, uninterrupted tolling experience.
However, MoRTH has clarified that no final decision regarding nationwide adoption has been taken and that this is merely a test phase.
Warnings for Non-Compliance
Although there isn't currently a substitute for FASTag, the ministry did note that car owners are responsible for ensuring compliance under the hybrid system. Infractions of toll payment procedures may result in e-notices, the suspension of a FASTag, or even fines under the VAHAN vehicle registration database.
Don't Fall for Misinformation
The Ministry urgently cautioned users against believing rumors that FASTag was being discontinued. Only official channels will be used to disseminate updates regarding modifications to the tolling system. Motorists are urged to stay informed by visiting morth.nic.in and www.nhai.gov.in.
FASTag is not currently being phased out.
Pilot testing is underway for the combined ANPR + FASTag system.
There is no set date for the nationwide launch.
Claim: Starting on May 1, 2025, the government plans to replace the FASTag system with a satellite-based tolling system throughout India.
Fact Check: False. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has clarified that no such decision has been made, and FASTag will continue to be in use even after May 1, 2025.
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