New Year New Rules. State govt takes a big decision regarding FASTag. The Maharashtra cabinet has announced that starting April 1, 2025, FASTag will be required for all vehicles in the state. FASTag is a passive RFID tag that facilitates toll payments directly from a prepaid or savings/current account linked to the user.
This tag is placed on the vehicle’s windscreen, allowing drivers to pass through toll plazas without stopping to make payments.
How does FASTag function?
The toll amount is automatically deducted from the linked account of the user. Each FASTag is specific to a vehicle and cannot be transferred once it is attached. Users can buy FASTag from any participating bank in the NETC network. If linked to a prepaid account, users will need to recharge it based on their usage.
Cancellation of October 2024 decision
The new requirement for FASTag on all vehicles, including private cars, on state highways means that the previous decision to exempt toll charges for cars and SUVs at five entry points into Mumbai will also be revoked on April 1. Last October, the government had decided to waive toll fees for private vehicles at Dahisar, LBS Road-Mulund, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge, and Vashi entry points.
Important Information on New FASTag Regulations in Maharashtra
Currently, there are 22 state highways in Maharashtra managed by the Public Works Department and the State Road Development Corporation. All toll plazas on these highways are under state government regulation. A representative from Maharashtra’s transport department stated, “Since 2021, the FASTag policy has been applicable to national highways overseen by the National Highways Authority of India. It will now be mandatory on state highways operated by private entities and their toll plazas.”
