Digitization, the process of shifting from typically paper-based systems to computerized ones is a natural progression seen across all industries and companies. It provides an immediate, significant impact on industries, helping them become more efficient. India, particularly the transport and logistics sector in India has benefitted from pivoting towards digitization. You can see these benefits in one of their famous products, Fastags.
Digitization and Fastags
Road transport remains the most dominant transportation mode in India. The country has a vast network of national highways, state highways, urban roads, and rural roads. Early on, vehicles were stuck at the toll plaza and had to wait for hours to pay the toll. The task of paying tolls was long, time-consuming, and tedious. Digitization was a boon to the toll collection process. The introduction of Fastags to toll collection helped everyone involved.
Fastag is a digital toll collection and payment system. This system enables the automatic deduction of toll charges without needing a vehicle to stop at the plaza itself. The concept of digital payments through a hassle-free system brings logistics efficiency never thought possible before. It also makes it easy for commuters to travel without needing to carry cash or wait for a long time. It improved the overall experience of traveling on the road. Fastag played a great role in reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas, bringing digitization to the toll collection process, and increasing highway efficiency.
This electronic toll collection system was created by the NHAI or National Highway Authority of India. The technology works using Radio Frequency Identification Technology or RFID. The Indian Government made it mandatory for all four-wheeler vehicles to have a Fastag after 16th February 2021. Vehicles without a Fastag past the day must pay double the regular toll charges for their vehicle. Presently, 38 banks across the country supply Fastags to countless people.
The working model of Fastags
Any Indian with a four-wheeler can buy a Fastag from an authorized bank, online site, or toll plaza. After the purchase, the owner links the Fastag to their bank account and provides the necessary details. These details include information like bank account number, KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, and registration number.
Provide the necessary details and activate the Fastag. Following activation, the owner sticks it on the inside of their windshield. The vehicle approaches a toll collection plaza, an RFID reader placed overhead scans or reads the Tag’s unique identification number.
The scanner reads the ID and deducts the required amount from the linked bank account. Following this, the toll gate opens, and the vehicle passes through. The process happens so quickly that vehicle owners almost rarely stop at toll collection plazas to make a payment. Digital payments make everything efficient and hassle-free.
Benefits of having a Fastag
The biggest and most immediate benefit of having a Fastag is efficiency. Now, vehicles don’t have to wait at toll collection plazas. Now, they pass through the plaza with minimal disruption to their journey. This benefit is a boon for logistics who thrive on traveling from one point to another in the shortest time possible. The benefit also saves on fuel and time which would normally be wasted on making payments.
In 2021, a study found out that nearly 10, 00,000 tons of CO2 emissions were reduced, thanks in large part to the adoption of Fastags. Hence, the argument could be made that this technology is good for the environment too.
Fastags also reduce instances of traffic jams taking place at toll plazas. Before, anyone going from Jammu to Delhi had to pass through nine toll collection plazas. That meant the vehicle owner had to pay nearly one thousand rupees as toll fees. The amount of time lost at each plaza is equally significant. With Fastags for commercial vehicles india though, the owner says goodbye to having physical cash or stopping at toll plazas. Now, everything is done with digital payments, and the speed the RFID reader reads the Fastag means the owner rarely stops at the toll plaza.
Additionally, vehicle owners can track tax payments via SMS notifications or emails. Users can go through the dedicated Fastag portal where they can view their account statement or find other details. Perhaps one of the best benefits that Fastag brings is that it has unlimited validity. The tag remains active and in use as long as it isn’t damaged or tampered with. Vehicle owners can recharge their Fastags through multiple options like debit cards, net banking, and UPI.
Steps to buying a Fastag
Step 1
The vehicle owners can visit the nearest toll collection plaza, a bank that sells Fastags, or a digital platform to apply for a Fastag. In this case, we’re using Axlerate as an example.
Step 2
The owner can send an email to Axlerate’s official email ID requesting a Fastag. The owner also provides a copy of their Aadhar card, PAN card, and their vehicle’s RC book. The company verifies the details and sends the Fastag via a courier.
Step 3
The owner receives the Fastag and affixes it to the interior of their windshield. After that, the owner downloads the official Axlerate app from the Google Play Store or the iOS store.
Step 4
After downloading, the user enters their mobile number and receives an OTP to continue. The user receives the OTP and now goes into the app. Once they are inside, they can add money to their Fastag and start using it in earnest.
Conclusion
It is easy to see why the introduction of Fastag is a step forward in India’s transport sector. The push for digitization here is a plus and more developments will appear in the coming years. These technological improvements are aimed towards increasing the sector’s safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Companies like Axlerate provide end-to-end solutions for companies or individuals looking to purchase Fastags. We’ve simplified processes like onboarding and video-KYC to make the user’s journey quick and efficient. That way, you can start using the Fastag and enjoy the many benefits this revolutionary technology provides.
