NHAI Launches OneTag for Easy FASTag Portability

NHAI Launches OneTag for Easy FASTag Portability

#GS-3 #Economy #Infrastructure #Science & Technology #ICT #Current Events #National

Key takeaways

  • The NHAI launched the OneTag facility to allow easy bank-portability for FASTag users without replacing the physical RFID sticker.
  • The system was jointly developed by IHMCL and NPCI to improve digital payment options for motorists.
  • Users must wait for a mandatory six-month cooling period before they can port their FASTag account to another bank again.
  • Authentication during the porting process requires a six-digit Mobile Verification Code sent by the user's current bank.

Why in News

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently introduced OneTag.
  • This is a new nationwide service designed for FASTag bank portability.
  • Users can easily access this service through the official Rajmargyatra mobile application.

About the OneTag Facility

  • This digital system works just like Mobile Number Portability (MNP) where you change your telecom provider but keep your phone number.
  • It allows vehicle owners to switch their FASTag bank without changing the physical RFID sticker on their windshield.
  • The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) developed this system together.
  • The main goal is to give drivers more choices when selecting their FASTag providers.
  • Drivers can now switch banks without replacing the tag or closing their existing registration linkage.

How the OneTag System Works

  • First, the vehicle owner logs into the Rajmargyatra app and enters their registration number to check if they can port their tag.
  • Second, the current bank sends a six-digit Mobile Verification Code or OTP to confirm the user wants to switch.
  • Third, the user chooses a new bank from the list, completes their digital KYC, and links their wallet.
  • Fourth, NPCI updates its database to transfer the payment setup to the new bank while keeping the original Tag ID.
  • Finally, the old bank closes the old wallet, settles pending charges, and refunds the remaining money directly to the user.

Key Features of OneTag

  • Drivers do not need to replace their physical windshield tag, which saves them from paying extra fees or damaging their windshields.
  • The system has a mandatory six-month cooling period between transfers to stop people from switching banks too often.
  • Toll plazas will scan the same RFID chip as before, and the backend system will smoothly route the payment to the new bank.
  • Old balances and security deposits do not transfer automatically, so the old bank will audit and refund this money directly to the user's account.