The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified the changes in the FASTag rules. NHAI stated that the news about transactions being rejected if the FASTag is inactive for more than 60 minutes before crossing the toll and 10 minutes after is incorrect. The NPCI circular (NPCI/2024-25/NETC/004A 28.01.2025) will not affect FASTag customers.
NPCI Issues New Circular on FASTag Transactions
Clarification on the NPCI Circular
NPCI has issued this circular to help resolve disputes between acquiring banks and issuing banks regarding FASTag status when vehicles pass through toll plazas. It also ensures that FASTag transactions are processed within a reasonable time, preventing delays that could cause inconvenience to customers.
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FASTag Status Updates at Toll Plazas
All National Highway toll plazas operate on the ICD 2.5 protocol, which provides real-time FASTag status updates. This means customers can recharge their FASTag anytime before crossing the toll plaza.
However, some toll plazas on state highways still use the older ICD 2.4 protocol, which requires regular updates of tag status. Plans are in place to upgrade these toll plazas to ICD 2.5 soon.
National Highways Authority of India (@NHAI_Official) refuted the claims regarding the change of #FASTag rules declining transactions, as reported by some media publications. #NHAI, in a statement, said that the circular released by the National Payments Corporation of India… pic.twitter.com/bU5mf7UU6S
— DD India (@DDIndialive) February 19, 2025
Encouragement for Auto-Recharge
FASTag users are encouraged to link their FASTag wallet to UPI, current, or savings accounts with an auto-recharge setting. This eliminates the need for manual recharges. Customers can also recharge their FASTag using UPI, net banking, and other payment methods anytime before reaching the toll plaza.
National Highways Authority of India (@NHAI_Official) refuted the claims regarding the change of #FASTag rules declining transactions, as reported by some media publications. #NHAI, in a statement, said that the circular released by the National Payments Corporation of India on… pic.twitter.com/JhAoQZ6YMq
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 19, 2025
FASTag Usage Growth
New FASTag rules, aimed at improving user experience at toll plazas, came into effect this week.
According to the latest NPCI data
- FASTag transactions increased by 6% in December 2024, reaching 382 million, compared to 359 million in November.
- The total transaction value grew by 9%, reaching Rs 6,642 crore in December, up from Rs 6,070 crore in November.