Most people use FASTag to avoid long queues at toll plazas. To make the FASTag process easier, the government also updates the rules from time to time. Once again, some updates have been made, but this update will apply only to users driving in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has recently announced that FASTag will be mandatory at all toll plazas from April 1, 2025. The purpose of this is to streamline toll payments and reduce traffic jams at toll booths.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic tag installed on the front windshield of a vehicle. Just like recharging your mobile phone, you need to recharge your FASTag from time to time. When a vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the machine scans the tag on the vehicle, and the toll fee is automatically deducted from your recharged wallet. With FASTag, you don’t need to stop at the toll booth and get a slip.
New FASTag Rule
Starting April 1, FASTag will be mandatory in Maharashtra. This rule will apply at all toll plazas across the state. The Maharashtra government has implemented this step to make the toll system cashless, reducing traffic jams at toll booths.
Double Toll Payment for Not Using FASTag
If you do not use FASTag, you can still pay the toll using cash, a card, or UPI. However, you will have to pay double the toll fee. MSRDC has issued a public notice to inform people about this change.
FASTag mandatory at all the Toll Plazas operated by MSRDC across Maharashtra from 1 April. pic.twitter.com/leDIKMaDGP
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) March 16, 2025
Exemptions from FASTag
The new rule will not apply to school buses, light motor vehicles, and state transport buses. These vehicles are exempt from the FASTag requirement at five specific toll plazas entering Mumbai, which include:
- Mulund West
- Mulund East
- Airoli
- Dahisar
- Vashi
Major Highways Affected
The FASTag system will be strictly implemented on major highways, such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, and Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway.
Where to Buy FASTag
You can buy FASTag at toll plazas, bank branches, online platforms (like bank websites, digital wallets, and payment apps), or through the MyFASTag app. After purchasing the FASTag, you can easily recharge it through apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and others.