FASTag is being made mandatory for all vehicles across the country from January 1, 2021
Google Pay-ICICI Bank FASTag: ICICI Bank announced a collaboration with Google Pay which will allow users to buy FASTag through UPI on the payments app. This will allow users to order, track, and recharge ICICI Bank FASTag digitally through the UPI on the payments app itself. This initiative will ensure the safety of users as it will put an end to visiting the merchants in person, and going to toll locations to buy a FASTag. With this collaboration, the ICICI Bank has become the first bank to join partner with Google Pay for issuing FASTags. It will also strengthen digital payments for FASTag. (Also Read: Government Announces Mandatory FASTag From January 2021 )
ICICI Bank recently integrated FASTag at Mumbai toll plazas and parking zone at the Hyderabad International Airport, in order to promote the adoption of a contactless, safe, and hassle-free transaction experience for commuters, and to encourage the usage of FASTag. ICICI bank was the first to launch the FASTag service nationally, on the Mumbai - Vadodara corridor, in 2013.
FASTag carries out electronic tolling and other ancillary projects of National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI). The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), and the NHAI are working together to make state and national highway toll payments completely digital.
Users can avail FASTag from Google Pay by following these five steps:
- Open Google Pay and click on ‘ICICI Bank FASTag' under ‘Businesses'
- Click on ‘Buy new FASTag'
- Enter your PAN, RC copy, vehicle number, and address details
- Verify mobile number through OTP
- Proceed for payment. Order gets placed once the payment is done.
Customers of ICICI Bank can avail FASTag using the bank's digital channels of banking including iMobile app, internet banking, InstaBIZ app, Pockets app, or by visiting the nearest bank branch. FASTag can be reloaded with funds online using the ICICI Bank's UPI, and NEFT platforms. Users who are not the customers of ICICI Bank can purchase the FASTag using the Pockets app or by visiting www.icicibank.com/fastag.
“NETC FASTag is an important milestone in bringing the efficiencies of digital payments into transit and making interstate travel frictionless. We are very pleased to be joining hands with ICICI Bank to extend the facility of NETC FASTag purchase to millions of users across India through Google Pay,'' said Mr. Sajith Sivanandan, Business Head, Google Pay.
“With the increased adoption of digital payments in all walks of life, we believe that this collaboration will help Google Pay users to apply for a new FASTag through UPI and get it delivered free of cost at their door step. The association comes handy for Google Pay customers, even if they are not customers of ICICI Bank, during the pandemic as it allows them to order and receive FASTag in a seamless and contact-less manner,'' said Mr. Sudipta Roy, Head- Unsecured Assets, ICICI Bank.
Meanwhile, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, recently announced on December 24, that FASTag is being made mandatory for all vehicles across the country from January 1, 2021. He added that FASTag will prove to be useful for commuters as they will not need to stop at toll plazas for cash payments and it will also save time and fuel.
