Govt for FASTag to check covid at toll plazas
It has asked NIC to ensure details of the electronic toll collection device are captured on VAHAN
The ministries of road transport and highways, and information technology (IT) are pushing for faster adoption of FASTags to contain the spread of covid-19 at toll plazas.
The transport ministry on Sunday said it has asked the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to ensure details of the electronic toll collection device are captured on VAHAN, the online national vehicle registration system, when new vehicles are registered and fitness certificates issued to vehicles for national permits.
NIC provides the network backbone and e-governance support to the Centre, states and government bodies.
In May, the transport ministry began integrating electronic toll collection data with the VAHAN portal. “In a letter addressed to NIC, with copies to all the states and Union territories, the ministry informed that full integration of the National Electronic Toll Collection with VAHAN portal has been achieved, and the same has gone live with API on 14 May. The VAHAN system is now getting all information on FASTags," it added.
The government had made it mandatory for all four-wheelers sold in India from 1 December 2017 to be fitted with FASTags, which enables automatic deduction of toll charges. Consumers avoided using it following complaints of technical glitches, and money getting deducted twice from their bank accounts or e-wallets. The government’s latest move will ensure vehicle owners/drivers use FASTags. “This usage and promotion of FASTag will also be effective in minimizing the possibilities of spreading covid at national highway toll plazas," an official statement said.
