Under National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, FASTag is developed by _________.

The correct answer is National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Key Points

• FASTag is an electronic toll collection system implemented under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program.
• The system was developed and managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enable cashless toll payments.
• FASTag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for automatic toll deduction as vehicles pass through toll plazas.
• It is linked to a prepaid account or the user's bank account, ensuring seamless transactions.
• FASTag promotes digital payments and helps reduce congestion at toll plazas by minimizing human intervention.

Additional Information

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):
  • NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
  • It was established in 2008 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
  • NPCI is responsible for developing innovative payment systems such as UPI, RuPay, and Bharat BillPay.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology:
  • RFID uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects.
  • In FASTag, RFID enables toll plazas to automatically detect the tag and deduct the toll amount.
• Benefits of FASTag:
  • Reduces waiting time and fuel consumption at toll plazas.
  • Promotes cashless transactions and digital payment adoption.
  • Improves traffic management and reduces pollution due to idling vehicles.
• NETC Program:
  • The National Electronic Toll Collection program is an initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Aims to ensure nationwide interoperability for toll payments.