National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) FASTag

If you’ve driven across India’s highways, you’ve probably noticed the dedicated FASTag lanes at toll plazas. These lanes are part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) FASTag system, which is transforming how we pay tolls on national highways and expressways. Introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), NETC FASTag ensures cashless, contactless, and seamless toll payments.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NETC FASTag—how it works, where it’s accepted, charges, latest updates, official guidelines, and practical tips to make your highway journeys smoother.

What is NETC FASTag?

NETC FASTag is India’s nationwide electronic toll collection system developed by NPCI. It uses a passive RFID tag on your vehicle’s windscreen to auto-debit tolls from the account linked to your FASTag as you drive through a toll plaza—no cash, no stopping. NETC NPCI

How the NETC Ecosystem Works

The NETC FASTag system is built to ensure interoperability across banks, toll plazas, and vehicle classes. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Tag & Vehicle: Each RFID FASTag uniquely maps to your vehicle registration number (VRN).
• Issuer & Account: Your bank or issuer (or IHMCL-issued tag) links the tag to your prepaid wallet, savings, or current account.
• Acquirer & Plaza: The toll plaza operator’s bank acts as the acquirer, reading tags and sending transactions.

Benefits of Using FASTag

FASTag is designed to make highway travel faster, smoother, and more convenient. Here are the key benefits you enjoy as a FASTag user:

1. Ease of Payment

• No need to carry cash for toll transactions.
• Automatic deduction of toll charges directly from your linked account.
• Reduces long queues and waiting time at toll plazas.

2. Time & Fuel Savings

• Dedicated FASTag lanes enable quicker passage at toll plazas.
• Less idling and stoppage saves both fuel and travel time.

3. Convenient Online Recharge

• Recharge anytime via the MyFASTag app, UPI, Debit Card, Net Banking, NEFT, or RTGS.
• Flexibility to choose the amount as per your travel needs.

SMS Alerts & Transparency

• Receive instant SMS updates on every toll deduction.
• Alerts for low balance, recharge confirmation, and other activities.
• Helps you track transactions in real-time.

Nationwide Interoperability

• FASTag works at all NETC-enabled toll plazas across National Highways and major expressways.
• One tag for multiple journeys—no separate setup needed.

Key Features of NETC FASTag

1. Quick Transactions
   Toll payments are processed almost in real-time. Plazas send transaction details every 10 minutes, ensuring smooth passage.
2. One Tag, All Plazas
   FASTag works at all toll plazas under the NETC program, regardless of which bank issued it. This interoperability makes it hassle-free.
3. Flexible Payment Options
   You can link your FASTag either to your savings/current account or to a prepaid wallet/account offered by the issuer bank. No need to already have a bank account with the issuer to get a prepaid FASTag.
4. Easy Issuance
   Member banks authorized under the NETC program can issue FASTags, making it widely accessible.
5. Cashless Convenience
   Payments happen electronically while your vehicle is in motion—no need to carry cash or stop at the plaza.
6. Save Time & Fuel
   With FASTag, you don’t wait in long queues. It reduces congestion, saves fuel, and makes travel faster.
7. Simple Recharge Options
   FASTag can be recharged online anytime through UPI, credit/debit cards, NEFT, RTGS, net banking, or via the issuing bank’s portal.

How to Buy NHAI FASTag

Buying an NHAI FASTag is quick and convenient. You can apply either offline at a sales point or online through authorized platforms.

1. Buy FASTag Offline (at Point of Sale)

• Visit any PoS (Point of Sale) location available at:
  • Toll Plazas across National Highways
  • PoS outlets of NETC member banks
  • Distribution agents or bank sales offices
• Carry the required documents (Vehicle RC, KYC documents, and passport-size photograph).
• Your FASTag will be issued and affixed to your vehicle after successful verification.

2. Buy FASTag Online

• Visit the official website or app of your issuer bank (NETC member bank).
• Apply online by uploading your KYC documents and vehicle details.
• Alternatively, visit the official NHAI website: www.nhai.gov.in.
• Once approved, your FASTag will be delivered to your registered address and can be activated through your bank or the MyFASTag app.

Tip: Always buy FASTag from authorized banks, IHMCL, or NHAI platforms to avoid fake or non-functional tags.

Documents Required to Apply for FASTag

To apply for a NETC FASTag, you need to submit certain documents along with the application form. Always carry the originals for verification and a self-attested copy for submission.

1. Mandatory Documents

• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
• Passport-size photograph of the vehicle owner
• KYC documents (as per applicant category)

2. KYC Requirements by Category

(A) For Individuals

You must provide ID proof and Address proof (any one from the list below) along with one passport-size photograph:

• Driving License
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Voter ID Card

(B) For Corporates / Non-Individuals

(i) Public Ltd. / Private Ltd. / Partnership Firms

• Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Firm Registration Certificate
• PAN Card of the corporate
• Photo ID of the signing authority
• List of Directors with addresses / Names & addresses of Partners

(ii) Proprietorship Firms

• PAN Card of the Proprietor
• Address Proof of the Proprietor
• Shop Act License or other Firm Proof
• Udyog Aadhaar
• Sales Tax Registration (if applicable)

(iii) Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

• PAN Card (in the name of HUF)

3. Important Points to Remember

• All required documents must be in the name of the vehicle owner.
• If the owner is not present at the time of application, the driver can apply but must provide his/her own photo ID proof.
• All submitted copies must be self-attested by the customer.

How to Recharge a FASTag?

Recharging a FASTag is simple and can be done both online and offline, depending on the type of FASTag you hold.

a) Recharge of Bank-Issued FASTag

If you have purchased FASTag from a bank, here are the ways to recharge it:

• Bank Web Portal: Visit your issuing bank’s FASTag portal, log in with your credentials, and recharge the wallet linked to your tag using Net Banking, UPI, Debit Card, or Credit Card.
• MyFASTag App: You can recharge your bank-issued FASTag via UPI on MyFASTag App.
• Customer Care Support: For any assistance, you can call the respective bank’s customer care helpline.

b) Recharge of NHAI FASTag (Bank-Neutral FASTag)

For NHAI FASTags, there are two options based on how your tag is linked:

1. NHAI Prepaid Wallet
   • You can recharge the prepaid wallet linked to your NHAI FASTag using Net Banking, UPI, Debit Card, or Credit Card via the MyFASTag App.
2. Linked to Bank Account (via MyFASTag App)
   • If your NHAI FASTag is directly linked to your bank account, then toll charges are auto-deducted from your account.
   • In this case, you don’t need to recharge separately. You can even set an auto-top-up amount by giving standing instructions while linking the tag with your bank account.

Where is FASTag Accepted?

NETC FASTag is accepted at all NETC-enabled fee plazas across National Highways and Expressways. As per MoRTH guidelines, entering a FASTag lane without a valid tag can attract double the toll as a penalty. Always check plaza signage and ensure your tag is active.

What Should I Do If My Vehicle Number Shows as Blacklisted or Any Other Exception?

If your FASTag account displays a message such as “Vehicle number already blacklisted” or any other exception, don’t panic. These exceptions are system-generated alerts. The best step is to immediately contact your issuing bank (the same one mentioned in the pop-up) for resolution.

Here are the common exception codes, what they mean, and why they occur: Source: NETC FASTag

Can One FASTag Be Used for Two Vehicles?

No. A FASTag is linked to a vehicle’s RC (Registration Certificate) and can be used only for that vehicle. If you try to use it on another vehicle, the toll system will detect the mismatch, and the tag may get blacklisted.

Each vehicle must have its own FASTag. Source: NHAI

What’s New in 2025: FASTag Annual Pass

What It Offers:

• Available from 15 August 2025, this pass covers travel for non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) across National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE).
• For a one-time payment of ₹3,000, you get toll access for one year or up to 200 toll plaza crossings, whichever comes first. This is delivered via a Gazette amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules, effective from that date.

How to Get It:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure your FASTag is active, properly affixed, mapped to vehicle registration (not chassis number), and not blacklisted.

• Activate via: RajmargYatra mobile app, or NHAI’s official website.

• Pay ₹3,000 using UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.

• The pass typically activates within 2 hours (can take longer at times).

You’ll receive SMS confirmation, and tolling transitions to contactless mode under the annual plan. Source: PIB, NPCI