Synopsis
The government affirmed that the NPCI's recent circular has no effect on the FASTag customer experience, aiming to streamline transactions at toll plazas while ensuring timely processing to avoid customer inconvenience.Key Takeaways
- NPCI circular does not impact FASTag use.
- Clarification provided by NHAI.
- FASTag transactions operate on ICD 2.5 protocol.
- Encouragement to use auto-recharge settings.
- Transaction values have significantly increased.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The government clarified on Wednesday that a recent circular from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will not alter the overall FASTag user experience.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) provided this clarification following reports about the NPCI circular dated January 28, which mentioned modifications to FASTag regulations that may decline transactions on FASTags inactive for over 60 minutes before the read time and up to 10 minutes after.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, "The circular was issued by NPCI to aid in resolving disputes between the Acquirer Bank and Issuer Bank regarding FASTag status as vehicles pass through Toll Plazas."
The intent of the circular is also to guarantee that FASTag transactions occur within a reasonable timeframe after a vehicle passes a toll plaza, preventing customer inconvenience from delayed transactions.
"All National Highway Toll Plazas operate on the ICD 2.5 protocol, which provides real-time tag status. Therefore, FASTag customers can recharge at any time before crossing the toll plaza," stated the ministry.
Some toll plazas on state highways remain on the ICD 2.4 protocol, which necessitates regular updates of tag status.
The NHAI mentioned, "Plans are underway to transition all such Toll plazas to the ICD 2.5 protocol soon."
FASTag users are advised to connect their FASTag wallet to UPI/Current/Saving Accounts with auto-recharge enabled to avoid manual recharges.
Customers can recharge their FASTag at any time before they reach the toll, using multiple payment methods such as UPI, net banking, and others, as per the NHAI.
New FASTag regulations aimed at enhancing user experience at toll plazas took effect this week.
As per the latest data from NPCI, FASTag transactions rose by 6 percent in December last year, reaching 382 million, compared to 359 million in November.
The transaction value also increased by 9 percent, amounting to Rs 6,642 crore in December, up from Rs 6,070 crore in November.
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