No, FASTag is Not Being Discontinued from May 1: Transport Ministry Debunks Viral Claims
New Delhi, 20th April 2025: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has firmly refuted viral media reports claiming that the FASTag toll payment system will be discontinued across India from May 1, 2025, to make way for a satellite-based tolling system.
Clarifying the government’s stance, the ministry issued an official statement calling such reports “false and misleading,” asserting that no decision has been made to remove the existing FASTag infrastructure. “There is no plan to discontinue the FASTag system from May 1,” the statement read, urging citizens not to believe unverified information circulating on social media and certain digital platforms.
What Sparked the Rumors?
The speculation gained traction following news that the government is exploring advanced toll collection technologies to reduce wait times at toll plazas. This includes a pilot project for an ANPR-FASTag based barrier-less tolling system (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), which is currently under trial at select locations.
The ministry clarified that tenders have been invited only for limited experimental implementation. Decisions regarding nationwide rollout will be taken based on the success of these trials and public response.
What Is ANPR-FASTag Barrier-less Tolling?
The proposed system uses cameras to read vehicle number plates and link them with FASTag accounts for automatic toll deduction—eliminating the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths. If a vehicle fails to pay, an e-notice may be issued and the FASTag account could be temporarily blocked.
Expected Benefits of the New System (If Implemented)
- Faster Toll Collection: Vehicles can move without stopping, reducing congestion.
- Improved Traffic Flow: Helps eliminate bottlenecks and save time.
- Enhanced User Experience: Drivers enjoy smoother, uninterrupted travel.
However, the transport ministry emphasized that these changes are still under evaluation and FASTag remains the official and active toll payment method at all national highways for now.
