Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: FASTag, an automated ‘Electronic Toll Collection System’ has been implemented in Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) buses by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with National Highway Authority of India.
This online system was launched by State Minister of Commerce and Transport Dr. Nrusingha Charana Sahu in collaboration with State Bank of India on Tuesday in the office premises of OSRTC, Paribahan Bhawani, Bhubaneswar.
Among others, Minister of Tourism and Culture Ashok Chandra Panda, Chairman OSRTC KB Singh, MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, BMC Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena were present on the occasion.
FASTag can be used to pay toll charges without stopping at toll plazas. The RFID technology used in the tag allows users to travel nonstop through dedicated FASTag lane at toll checker booths.
Automated scanning of RFID tag on vehicle’s windscreen deducts toll charges from the linked pre-paid/post-paid account without stopping for cash transaction.
The technology not only saves users time but also helps save fuel as one does not wait for cash transaction and clears traffic quickly.
FASTag is presently operational at 180 toll plazas across national and state highways.
OSRTC is now paying around Rs. 1.70 crores per annum for toll fees at different toll plazas. The roads ministry will provide a discount of 7.5 percent on the toll fee for using these tags. A MoU has been signed between OSRTC and SBI on December 27, 2017.
