NHAI Enforces Stringent Verification for FASTag Data Accuracy

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated an immediate verification of vehicle registration numbers by FASTag issuer banks to improve the accuracy of electronic toll collection systems. This decision comes amid complaints about discrepancies between the actual vehicle registration numbers and those captured by FASTag readers.

According to NHAI, these mismatches, primarily associated with FASTags issued before a comprehensive database was in place, risk undermining enforcement measures and may lead to revenue losses under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The authority highlights the critical need for precise vehicle identification, especially with upcoming initiatives like Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling.

NHAI has instructed banks to urgently validate the FASTags they issued and blacklist any associated with incorrect or invalid registration numbers, following government guidelines. This proactive step aims to ensure enforcement actions and electronic notices for non-compliance are based on verified data.