No Impact On FASTag Customer Experience Due To NPCI Circular, NHAI Clarifies

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified that the recent circular issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) regarding FASTag transactions does not impact customer experience.

In response to reports about changes in FASTag rules, NHAI stated that the NPCI circular, dated 28 January, was issued to facilitate dispute resolution between acquirer and issuer banks on FASTag status while vehicle crosses toll plazas.

"In reference to the news items carried by some publications regarding change of FASTag Rule declining transactions on FASTags which are not active for more than 60 minutes prior to read time and up to 10 minutes after read time, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) clarifies that the Circular No NPCI/2024-25/NETC/004A, dated 28.01.2025 issued by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has no impact on FASTag customer experience," NHAI said.

"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.  The Circular also aims to ensure that the FASTag transactions are created within reasonable time of vehicle passing a Toll Plaza so that customers are not harassed by late transactions," NHAI added.

NHAI further clarified that all national highway toll plazas operate on the ICD 2.5 protocol, which provides real-time tag status.

This allows FASTag users to recharge at any time before crossing a toll plaza.

However, some state highway toll plazas still use the older ICD 2.4 protocol, which requires regular updates of tag status.

The NHAI said that it is planning to shift all such toll plazas to ICD 2.5 protocol soon.

To ensure seamless toll payments, NHAI has urged FASTag users to link their FASTag wallets to UPI, current, or savings accounts with an auto-recharge setting to eliminate the need for manual recharges.

"Customers can continue to recharge their FASTag any time before reaching the toll, using a variety of payment channels such as UPI, net banking, and more," NHAI added.

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