A six-month trial of the multipurpose system has proven successful, officials said, paving the way for a nationwide rollout. The move aims to transform FASTag into a wallet-like tool for seamless, cashless payments during journeys, while curbing digital fraud through controlled transactions.
Stakeholders, including fintech firms, banks, payment providers, and toll operators, have reached consensus on integrating services such as tolls, petrol pumps, electric vehicle charging, food outlets, vehicle maintenance, and city entry fees.
In a related development, Northern Railway announced that parking charges at New Delhi Railway Station will soon be deducted automatically via FASTag. The new contractor takes over management on December 28, with full implementation expected within a month.
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, said the policy, spearheaded by Delhi Divisional Railway Manager Pushpendra Kumar Tripathi, will ease congestion at entry and exit gates and eliminate overcharging disputes. Around 80 percent of vehicles are expected to use the facility briefly for drop-offs or pick-ups.
The initiative also introduces ex-servicemen as parking marshals to enhance security and traffic flow. Three dedicated pathways toward Ajmeri Gate will improve passenger access to security checks and onward transport.
FASTag, mandatory for tolls since 2021, has long been eyed for broader uses. Past pilots included parking at airports and fuel payments, but the latest trial marks progress toward comprehensive integration.
Officials emphasise enhanced security, with capped wallets limiting fraud risks. The expansion aligns with efforts to promote digital payments and reduce cash dependency on roads.
Motorists welcome the convenience, though smooth rollout will depend on infrastructure upgrades at petrol pumps, parking lots, and charging stations.
