NHAI Ensures Smooth FASTag Payments

21 Feb 2025 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has assured that highway users will not face disruptions due to the new FASTag transaction norms introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The NPCI’s circular, effective from February 17, aims to prevent delayed transactions caused by inactive FASTags at toll plazas. According to NHAI, this move will ensure that payments are settled in real time, reducing customer inconvenience.

"The circular has been issued by NPCI to facilitate resolution of disputes between acquirer bank and issuer bank on FASTag status while vehicle crosses toll plazas," NHAI stated.

All National Highway toll plazas operate on ICD 2.5 protocol, which provides real-time tag status, allowing users to recharge their FASTags anytime before crossing a toll booth. However, some state highway tolls still run on the older ICD 2.4 protocol, requiring periodic updates. NHAI plans to upgrade these toll plazas soon.

To avoid payment delays, FASTag users are encouraged to link their wallets to UPI, current, or savings accounts with auto-recharge enabled. Customers can also recharge via UPI, net banking, and other digital payment methods before reaching the toll plaza.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..