Maharashtra Cabinet mandates FASTag for all vehicles starting April

Mandatory FASTag system in Maharashtra from April 1, 2025 for seamless toll payments, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has announced that FASTag — the electronic toll payment system — will be mandatory for all vehicles in the State beginning April 1.

FASTag, a passive RFID-based device, is affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen, allowing toll payments to be made seamlessly without halting at toll plazas. The toll amount is automatically deducted from the user’s linked prepaid, savings, or current account.

The system is part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which ensures interoperability across toll plazas nationwide. This enables drivers to use FASTag at any toll plaza, regardless of the operator, with clearing house services in place for settlement and dispute resolution.

FASTag is vehicle-specific and cannot be transferred to another vehicle. It is available through any NETC member bank and must be recharged regularly if linked to a prepaid account. Insufficient balance can result in the FASTag being blacklisted, necessitating cash payments at toll plazas.

The State government emphasised the benefits of the system, including reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and shorter wait times at toll booths.