FASTags set the tone for Digital India
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

FASTags set the tone for Digital India

With the introduction of FASTags, the Indian Government has set a strong foot forward with regards to its take on electronic toll collection system which is set to be introduced on all National Highway (NH) tolls.  FASTags are stickers that are placed on the windshields of cars – upon crossing the toll booth and electric payment is initiated. The system is operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and is now mandatory for toll payment on NHs.

With the government extending the deadline from December 1 to December 15 to obtain these stickers, they are expected to play a major role in expediting the monetisation of road assets and attract more global investors under the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model.

As reported, numerous foreign investors had previously shown interest towards India’s highway road assets and have praised the country’s efforts to introduce an electronic tolling system as it ensures a more efficient method of collection. The investment put forward by these sources depends on the reliability of the toll collection system – which makes it crucial for India to necessitate the following change at an optimal speed.

According to reports, it is estimated that one factor that will attract foreign investors is the introduction of digital payment that will be put forth as a consequence of FASTags. They won’t be required to deal in hard cash and are more likely to see this as a benefit of their investment.

The tags initiate payment through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) which processes the transaction the specific linked account. The sought after benefits of these are: Decongestion of highways resulting in time savings and aids in making the tolling process transparent – free of any discrepancies that may normally arise from handling cash.

At present, the government has started a pilot project at the Hyderabad airport for using FASTags for parking purposes in two phases. Apart from parking, NHAI is also considering launching the system for fuel stations, traffic violations and motor insurance, among other avenues.

The introduction is therefore a major boost to the government’s Digital India initiative and will also expectedly fasten sale of road assets. 

With the introduction of FASTags, the Indian Government has set a strong foot forward with regards to its take on electronic toll collection system which is set to be introduced on all National Highway (NH) tolls.  FASTags are stickers that are placed on the windshields of cars – upon crossing the toll booth and electric payment is initiated. The system is operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and is now mandatory for toll payment on NHs. With the government extending the deadline from December 1 to December 15 to obtain these stickers, they are expected to play a major role in expediting the monetisation of road assets and attract more global investors under the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model.As reported, numerous foreign investors had previously shown interest towards India’s highway road assets and have praised the country’s efforts to introduce an electronic tolling system as it ensures a more efficient method of collection. The investment put forward by these sources depends on the reliability of the toll collection system – which makes it crucial for India to necessitate the following change at an optimal speed.According to reports, it is estimated that one factor that will attract foreign investors is the introduction of digital payment that will be put forth as a consequence of FASTags. They won’t be required to deal in hard cash and are more likely to see this as a benefit of their investment. The tags initiate payment through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) which processes the transaction the specific linked account. The sought after benefits of these are: Decongestion of highways resulting in time savings and aids in making the tolling process transparent – free of any discrepancies that may normally arise from handling cash. At present, the government has started a pilot project at the Hyderabad airport for using FASTags for parking purposes in two phases. Apart from parking, NHAI is also considering launching the system for fuel stations, traffic violations and motor insurance, among other avenues. The introduction is therefore a major boost to the government’s Digital India initiative and will also expectedly fasten sale of road assets. 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?