The government has noted that many mismatches are linked to FASTags issued before integration with the VAHAN database, when validation processes were more manual and prone to inconsistencies.
The mandating of this FASTag verification follows complaints where the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) captured by FASTag readers does not match the number displayed on vehicle plates.
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Directions issued by the NHAI
The government has reportedly said in a release, “In order to enhance the accuracy and reliability of data in the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has issued directions to all FASTag Issuer Banks to undertake immediate validation of Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRNs) linked with FASTags issued by them.”
“Such discrepancies have the potential to undermine enforcement mechanisms and may lead to evasion of Government revenue and also attract other penal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,” it said.
“NHAI has emphasized that ensuring the correctness of VRN mapping with FASTag is of critical importance, especially in view of upcoming technology-driven initiatives such as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling,” the govt statement added.
Urgent verification
Under the MLFF system, enforcement actions, including issuance of electronic notices (e-notices), will depend heavily on accurate vehicle identification data.
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“In this context, all FASTag Issuer Banks have been directed to undertake urgent verification of FASTags issued by them and to blacklist those FASTags that are found to be linked with incorrect or invalid VRNs,” the release said.
The government stated that the exercise is part of efforts to strengthen transparency, improve compliance, and enhance operational efficiency in the electronic toll collection system, while preventing misuse and improving the user experience on national highways.
