Lately it has been witnessed that people unnecessarily complicate things by not responding positively to government advisories like in the case of FASTags as from the day one of the implementation of this efficient method of collecting cess at the toll plazas there was a requirement to have one exclusive FASTag for a particular vehicle. But taking undue liberties the people have gone astray with many keeping one FASTag for different vehicles and several others using different FASTags for a particular vehicle thus creating problems and even marring the purpose of efficacy at the toll plazas as at times this rule-break led to unnecessary delays.
Considering the hiccups, the NHAI had come up with strict directions to implement ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative in letter and spirit to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle. Besides, NHAI had also asked FASTag users to complete the ‘Know Your Customer' (KYC) process of their latest FASTag by updating KYC as per RBI guidelines. It was ensured that FASTags with valid balance but with incomplete KYC were deactivated/blacklisted by banks post 31st January 2024. The ultimate aim of the aforesaid initiatives was to enhance efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and provide seamless movement at the Toll Plazas.
Looking into the aforesaid steps and to avoid inconvenience, FASTag users need to ensure that KYC of their latest FASTag must be completed and they also comply with ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag' and discard all the earlier issued FASTags through their respective banks. Despite the advisories there are still a number of people not ready to abide by the guidelines thus making it necessary for the government to come up with deadlines and counter actions.
Under ideal conditions, people should cooperate with the government as streamlining things will be good for all but due to certain stubborn elements, things remain hooked in the country and the government is forced to come out with stringent measures, which should not be the case, as people need to understand the need, and cooperate in implementing the steps meant for public convenience.
As far as government is concerned, looking in to the difficulty emanating due to Paytm crisis, it has been mulling to give another chance to the commuters to rectify things or else their FASTags will be blacklisted as State-owned National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is likely to extend ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative compliance deadline to March-end as against earlier proposal to implement ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative from March 1.
All said and done, the FASTag users should follow the directions without any exception because whatever has been accomplished is for the convenience of the commuters travelling on the highways as every second saved during travel is likely to help in achieving momentum with regard to development process in the country as snarling traffic on highways is a big bottleneck in realizing real and fast development.
