RBI allows e-mandate for auto-replenishment of FASTag, NCMC

RBI allows e-mandate for auto-replenishment of FASTag, NCMC

  • The current e-Mandate framework requires pre-debit notification at least 24 hours before the actual debit from the customer’s account.
(Image used for representational purpose) (PTI)

The Reserve Bank on Thursday amended its e-mandate framework and allowed auto-replenishment of Fastag and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). The existing e-mandate framework requires pre-debit notification at least 24 hours before the actual debit from the customer’s account.

In June, the RBI had announced that auto-replenishment of balance in FASTag and NCMC, which is recurring in nature but without any fixed periodicity, would be facilitated under the e-mandate framework.

“It has been decided to incorporate automatic replenishment of FASTag and NCMC whenever the balance falls below the limit set by the customer under the e-mandate framework,” RBI said in a circular.

It said that since payments for auto-replenishment are recurring in nature but do not have any fixed periodicity, they will be exempted from the requirement of pre-debit notification.

First Publication Date: 22 August 2024, 20:06 PM IST

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Bye FASTag, hi GPS-based toll collection: Is India ready?

Bye FASTag, hi GPS-based toll collection: Is India ready?

  • The Indian government is planning to introduce a GPS-based toll collection system across the country, replacing the current FASTag technology.
The Indian government is planning to introduce a GPS-based toll collection system across the country, replacing the current FASTag technology. (AP)

Ever since Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari announced that the government is planning to deploy a Global Positioning System (GPS) based toll collection system across India, the new technology has been making headlines. With this strategy, the government is planning to remove all the toll plazas or toll collection booths and enable GPS-based toll collection. This comes after FASTag became mandatory across India just a few years ago for all four-wheeled vehicles to enable automatic deduction of toll charges through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

Under the FASTag regime, the vehicles come with a FASTag chip-based sticker positioned on the windshield of the vehicle. When the vehicle passes through the toll gate, a scanner scans the FASTag sticker and deducts the specific amount automatically. This system has significantly reduced the waiting time at the toll plaza for vehicles compared to the era when toll charges were paid through cash or card. Eventually, this technology has resulted in reduced travelling time for the vehicles, better transparency and lower congestion at toll plazas. Now, the government is aiming to bring a more updated technology for this function, which will work as a GPS-based system.

(To buy a new FASTag, click here)

How GPS-based toll collection will work?

Just like the FASTag-based toll collection requires all vehicles to have a FASTag, the GPS-based toll collection system will make it necessary for all vehicles to have a GPS. The government plans to deploy this technology through a microcontroller with 3G and GPS connectivity. This will allow the NHAi or the regulatory agency to track the vehicle’s route through the GPS device onboard the car. It will transmit the data of how many toll roads the vehicles are taking, and how many toll gates the vehicles are passing through. Based on that, the estimated toll tax will be charged by the vehicle owner.

Also Read : How to buy and activate FASTag online: Key steps

Difference between FASTag and GPS-based toll collection

FASTag uses RFID technology for automatic deduction of toll tax bringing convenience and transparency. It is like a wallet that allows the system to deduct the toll charges automatically whenever the vehicle passes through the toll plaza. The FASTag account is directly linked to the bank account or wallet.

On the other hand, the GPS-based toll collection will differ from FASTag. It will track the vehicle throughout the journey, which brings the concern related to privacy, as the system will be able to monitor the vehicle all along. The system will be vigilant of vehicle movement and collect toll tax through GPS.

First Published Date: 18 Mar 2024, 13:08 PM IST


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NHAI releases a revised list of authorized FASTag issuers. Where to buy

NHAI releases a revised list of authorized FASTag issuers. Where to buy

  • NHAI has removed the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuers and published the revised list.
NHAI has removed the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuers and published the revised list.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has removed Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from its list of FASTag issuing banks and NBFCs after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ordered the closure of Paytm Payments Bank due to non-compliance and supervisory concerns. Now, it has published a revised list of issuers of the FASTag.

In the revised list, there are a total of 39 banks and NBFCs which are eligible to issue FASTags to vehicle owners. The banks and NBFCs in the revised list of FASTag issuers authorised by the NHAI include Airtel Payments Bank, Allahabad Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank Ltd, Bandhan Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, City Union Bank Ltd, Cosmos Bank, Dombivli Nagari Sahakari Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, Fino Payment Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IndusInd Bank, J&K Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, LivQuik Technology Pvt Ltd, Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd, Punjab Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Saraswat Bank, South Indian Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, The Jalgaon People’s Co-op Bank, Thrissur District Cooperative Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India and Yes Bank.

Also Read : How to deactivate PayTm FASTag and apply for fresh one: A step by step guide

(To purchase a new Fastag, click here.)

After the removal of Paytm Payment Bank Ltd from the list of FASTag issuing banks, many vehicle owners who purchased FASTag from the PPBL now have to buy FASTag from any other issuing banks. However, they can continue using the existing Paytm FASTag until they have any balance in the account. However, no topping up of the Paytm FASTag accounts will be allowed after March 15, 2024, as NHAI and RBI have informed. Hence, the users of Paytm FASTags are advised to purchase a new FASTag from any other authorised bank.

First Published Date: 11 Mar 2024, 17:02 PM IST


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