By Qamar ZJ
In an online poll by Team BHP, PayTM has emerged way ahead of its rivals as the most preferred fastag provider in India. This is followed not so closely by ICICI. As this form of automatic toll fee collection becomes the norm from Feb 15 (it was extended today), people are flocking to online apps, petrol bunks and also getting it at the fastag booths near toll gates. The fee is around Rs 500, which includes a refundable deposit of Rs 250.
At this point, SBI fastags weren’t working properly and some authorised petrol bunks were recommending IndusInd Bank. Many netizens have also complained about Axis Bank, and HDFC, among others. The reason why PayTM is preferred is because you don’t need to submit KYC documents like proof of ID and address. Just your RC Card and vehicle registration number is enough. Besides, banks create a separate fastag account where the money can only be used for toll fees whereas the PayTM wallet balance can be used to pay anybody else too. You also get cashbacks every month from PayTM unlike the occasional offers from other banks. No wonder, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif vouches for it.
How to register offline?
If you don’t want to order online, you can go to the nearest toll gate and show your RC Card, one passport size photo, and an address and ID proof, such as passport, driving licence, or PAN. Fill in the application form provided by the service provider. Buying online is easy too. Just hit the ‘fastag’ button in PayTM, and upload the front and back side of your RC Card. Your card will be dispatched to you within four days.
Billing and machine errors
People have reported billing errors at toll gates. In such cases, you just have to write to your fastag service provider with a screenshot of the transaction. If you have paid in cash, but the money is also deducted from the wallet, send a scan of your cash receipt. In case, the RFID or handheld scanner is not working at any toll plaza, you can call NHAI’s toll-free number 1033 or your service provider’s 24/7 customer care number, such as PayTM’s 1800-120-4210.
Though introduced in 2016, the adoption across India has taken four years. While Jan 1 was mandated for 100% fastag collections, the road transport ministry has today extended it till Feb 15. This tag is not applicable to Nice Road and roads maintained by private players like the Yamuna expressway.
