When you look at the big picture, the FASTag technology is not only about reducing travel time but there is a lot more. From lowering carbon emissions to even reducing noise pollution, online FASTag is truly a game-changing technology announced by the Government of India years back. 

I still remember witnessing how this technology has helped me save a lot of time and, side by side, contribute to the environment by going completely paperless. Gone are the days when we actually used to keep some cash in the car for toll plazas. 

What is a FASTag?

FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) introduced in late 2017 that was developed to get rid of the inconvenience faced at the toll plazas by four-wheeler owners. It is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen and is prepaid as it is linked to your bank account. FASTag recharge online can be simply done via your smartphone (step-by-step guide below), and remember that they don’t have any expiry date and can be used as long as they are readable. 

How does a FASTag work?

It works as a prepaid account and is linked to the bank account or UPI (Unified Payment Interface). As mentioned, it is affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle, and the payments are made through RFID as one drives through the toll gate.  

What are its benefits?

When you opt for online FASTag, you are in for a comfortable drive on the national highways of our country. 

1. Environmentally friendly

One of the most important factors is that it helps lower carbon emissions and saves a lot of paper. This is because it eliminates the possibility of long snarls at toll plazas and ultimately saves a lot of fuel for all four-wheeler drivers. Furthermore, as it enables paperless payments, it helps lower the expense of paper. 

2. Saves time

Unlike the old days when waiting at the toll plazas was a tedious task, with FASTag, it is just a matter of a few seconds. Just make sure that you have already done the FASTag recharge online; if there is a low balance, you’ll have to wait and pay in cash and that too double.

3. Track expenses

Every time you cross a toll plaza, it helps you to keep track of your expenses as you receive a notification of the same. This helps in keeping a proper record and recharging accordingly in the future.  

How to check balance in FASTag and recharge it?

In order to have a clear picture, it’s better to share my personal experience. Personally speaking, I’ve been using the Bajaj Finserv application for over a year now for all kinds of digital payments, including FASTag. Believe me, this app is effortless and is an all-in-one platform. 

1. 1. Download the Bajaj Finserv application on your smartphone.
   2. Enter your details and sign up
   3. Open it and go to the Bills & Recharges section.
   4. Under the Recharge section, click on FASTag.
   5. Select your provider.
   6. Enter your Vehicle’s Registration Number or Wallet ID
   7. After entering the required details, you’ll see your current balance and the maximum allowable payment.
   8. Below it, you need to enter your desired recharge amount.
   9. Click on Proceed to Pay, and you’ll be able to complete your FASTag recharge online quickly.
   10. After your registration, you’ll be able to see your balance.