If you frequently hit the highways in your car, a major update is coming your way. Starting May 1, 2025, the Government of India will officially phase out the FASTag toll collection system and introduce a new, high-tech method of toll payment. This change is expected to impact every vehicle owner using toll roads, whether for daily commutes or occasional road trips.
What Is the New Toll Collection System?
The upcoming system is based on Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Instead of relying on RFID tags, cameras will automatically scan the number plates of vehicles and calculate toll charges accordingly.
Key Highlights:
- No need to stop at toll booths anymore
- No separate lane or manual intervention required
- Payment will be deducted automatically from your linked bank account or wallet
Why Is the Government Making This Change?
The goal is to make toll collection faster, smarter, and more efficient. Even with FASTag, traffic jams at toll plazas have remained a problem, leading to wasted time and fuel.
The new system aims to:
- Reduce congestion on highways
- Cut down fuel consumption by eliminating stop-and-go traffic
- Minimize tax evasion
- Standardize toll collection nationwide
How Will the ANPR-Based System Work?
- Specialized cameras and software will be installed on highways.
- As your vehicle enters, the system will scan your license plate in real-time.
- The scanned data is matched to your registered payment account.
- The toll is deducted automatically, and you’ll receive an SMS or app notification confirming the transaction.
Who Might Face Issues Initially?
While the system offers many benefits, there could be some initial hiccups for:
- Vehicles with damaged or unreadable number plates
- Vehicles not properly registered in the transport database
- Senior citizens or those less comfortable with digital tech
What Should You Do to Be Ready?
To ensure a smooth transition, take these steps:
- Make sure your number plate is clean and follows ISI standards
- Verify your vehicle details on the Transport Department’s website
- Keep your bank account or digital wallet active and linked
- Ensure your mobile number is updated to receive alerts
What Will Happen to FASTag?
The FASTag system will be officially discontinued from May 1, 2025. While there might be a short transition phase, ANPR will eventually become the sole toll payment method.
Expert advice: If you have unused FASTag balance, request a refund through your issuing bank or the FASTag portal.
Advantages of the New Tolling System
- Faster travel: No need to slow down or stop
- Fully digital payments: More secure and transparent
- Fuel and time savings: Less congestion means quicker trips
- Enhanced vehicle tracking: Aiding in law enforcement and crime control
Potential Challenges Ahead
- Connectivity issues could affect real-time data processing
- Some users may raise privacy concerns
- Risk of fraud with cloned or fake number plates
The shift to ANPR-based tolling marks a significant leap toward smart mobility in India. While the adjustment period may pose a few challenges, the long-term gains in speed, convenience, and transparency are set to redefine highway travel.
