NHAI Orders Banks to Verify Vehicle Registration Data to Issue FASTag

To strengthen data accuracy and system reliability in the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) ecosystem, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed all FASTag issuer banks to immediately validate Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRNs) linked to FASTags issued by them. The move comes in response to complaints highlighting mismatches between VRNs captured by FASTag readers and the actual vehicle registration numbers displayed on number plates.

Such discrepancies can weaken enforcement mechanisms, potentially enable toll evasion and result in revenue leakage for the government. Additionally, these inconsistencies may invite penal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Legacy FASTags Under Scrutiny

A significant number of mismatches have been traced to FASTags issued before their integration with the VAHAN database. During that period, the issuance process relied heavily on manual verification, leaving room for inaccuracies in vehicle identification records.

Critical for Future Tolling Systems

NHAI has stressed that accurate VRN mapping is essential, particularly with the rollout of advanced tolling systems like Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF). Under this framework, enforcement actions—such as issuing electronic notices (e-notices) to violators—will depend heavily on precise and verified vehicle data.

All issuer banks have been instructed to carry out urgent verification of FASTags and blacklist those associated with incorrect or invalid VRNs, in line with government guidelines.

Focus on Transparency and Efficiency

NHAI reiterated its commitment to enhancing transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency within the ETC system. These measures are expected to improve data integrity, curb misuse of FASTags, and deliver a smoother travel experience for users across national highways.

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