KOCHI: To bring down the heavy rush at toll plazas across the country, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had introduced Fastag, a digital initiative to make toll transactions faster and simpler. However, several months after its launch, it has failed to make an impact with commuters in Kochi.
Fastag, which functions with a radio frequency identification system, allows car owners to make digital transactions by simply making a recharge on their phones.
“The tag is affixed on the car’s windscreen. Once the Fastag is activated, it ensures automatic deduction of charges from a prepaid account which is linked to a bank account including ICICI, HDFC among others. The cost of the tag is Rs 500. For new car owners, the fast tag procedures are done by the car dealers. Owners of old cars can also purchase such tags,” said NHAI officials.
Though the project was kicked off with much fanfare across the country, in Kerala, especially those who use the Kumbalam Toll Plaza, continue to be at dark.“When I purchased a new car, the dealer only made a small mention of the Fastag sticker but did not specify how it functions. Hence, when I used the Kumbalam Toll Plaza, I made the transaction through cash. A few minutes later, a message arrived on my phone, that money was also deducted from my bank account,” said Dileep S, a commuter.
In another case, a car owner said the ‘MyFASTag’ and ‘FASTag Partner’ apps launched by the NHAI was not user-friendly. “The site is not easy to use for people who are not well aware of the functions of a Fastag. Also, the response by the team is not very satisfying,” said Anand Lal, who also said there is a need for the NHAI and also banks to educate users about this digital mode of transaction.
“The NHAI had made several efforts at popularising the initiative through pamphlets at the toll plazas. Now, it is upto the customers to make use of it,” said officials.
However, NHAI engineer Dinesh K admitted that the Kumbalam Toll Plaza is yet to incorporate the digital initiative effectively.“Though the sensors to process the Fastags are functioning, we do not have a dedicated lane for such vehicles, unlike other toll plazas across the country. This does create issues with its implementation,” he said.