NHAI Orders FASTag Verification Drive on Highways

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, April 15: The National Highways Authority of India has directed FASTag-issuing banks to immediately verify vehicle registration numbers (VRNs) linked to FASTags, following reports of discrepancies in the electronic toll collection system.

The move aims to improve data accuracy and prevent potential revenue losses caused by mismatches between the registration number captured by FASTag readers and the number displayed on vehicle plates.

Concerns over data mismatches

According to officials, instances have been reported where the VRN linked to a FASTag does not correspond with the actual vehicle registration. Such inconsistencies can weaken enforcement mechanisms, lead to toll evasion, and may attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Authorities noted that many of these discrepancies are linked to FASTags issued before integration with the VAHAN database, when verification processes were more manual and less robust.

Banks asked to verify, blacklist faulty tags

NHAI has instructed all issuing banks to carry out urgent verification of FASTag records and identify cases where incorrect or invalid VRNs are linked. FASTags found to be non-compliant are to be blacklisted in accordance with government guidelines.

The authority emphasised that accurate vehicle identification is essential for maintaining the integrity of the tolling system and ensuring compliance.

Linked to upcoming tolling reforms

The verification exercise gains importance in the context of upcoming technology-driven tolling systems such as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), where toll collection will rely heavily on automated identification of vehicles.

Under the MLFF system, enforcement actions—including issuance of electronic notices to violators—will depend on accurate and verified vehicle data.

Focus on transparency and efficiency

NHAI said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, improve compliance, and enhance operational efficiency in the Electronic Toll Collection ecosystem.

Officials added that improving data integrity will also help prevent misuse of FASTag and contribute to a smoother travel experience on national highways.