By 2024, travelling on the highway implies that FASTag is a mandatory tool that simplifies toll payments and reduces time spent at plazas. This electronic toll collection technique operates on the pre-paid system of accounts; hence, customers need to ensure that their accounts are always well-stocked. 

This guide will brief you on how to use online and offline methods to recharge your FASTag so that you can drive hassle-free on our national highways.

Refilling or recharging FASTag is a pretty uncomplicated procedure that caters to the needs of every user. The top-up of the system can be done in 100 multiples, making it possible to have options reaching the various capacities. There are maximum recharging limits imposed by your selected vehicle type and linked account to set appropriate limits for every user. 

The tags are connected to the wallet for people who own more than one vehicle, so recharging every tag separately is unnecessary. Customers who have gone through a KYC formal process get a higher recharge limit of up to ₹1 lakh, sufficient for extensive travelling.

As part of overhauling and enhancing highway travel, the Government of India and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have been promoting FASTag. Several key benefits drive this push:

1. Efficiency: FASTag has been instrumental in reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas, thereby enhancing free movement.
2. Transparency: This payment method has less or no cash issues, which may be associated with fraudulent activities.
3. Data Collection is also very beneficial when defining traffic and usage to help in planning the infrastructure.
4. Environmental Impact: Shorter time spent at toll booths would indicate less time given to the emissions of gases into the atmosphere.
5. Cost Savings: Automated toll collection minimises expenditures compared to highway authorities' other wage-earning activities.

Through the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) strategy, the government seeks to integrate an efficient mode of payment across the Indian highway network.

There are various methods of recharging FASTag online: the official website, FASTag mobile applications, net banking, third-party player wallets, UPI, and others. The above choices allow users to make balance payments from any location and at any time they consider fit.

Recharge FASTag via Website

Below are the steps on how to Recharge FASTag through the website:

• Step 1: Visit the official FASTag website.
• Step 2: Search for the ‘recharge’ or ‘top-up’ button and click on it.
• Step 3: Kindly provide the vehicle registration number of your car and the mobile number linked to your FASTag account.
• Step 4: Enter the recharge you want to make and then do the captcha verification.
• Step 5: On the next screen, click the Recharge button to go to the payment page.
• Step 6: Select the payment option you want to use from the following options.
• Step 7: To recharge it, hover your cursor over the particular FASTag ID number you want to recharge and click on it.
• Step 8: Enter the recharge amount and click ‘Yes,’ which will confirm the recharge amount and execute the transaction.
• Step 9: Follow up the payment process as instructed by the chosen form of payment.
• Step 10: Wait for the written response that signifies the successful recharge process.

Recharge FASTag Via Net Banking

• Step 1: Go to your bank’s website and identify the link that directs you to the online banking services; if necessary, log into your account.
• Step 2: Go to the special NETC FASTag section, usually in a tab menu called bill payments/recharge.
• Step 3: Select ‘’Recharge FASTag’’ or any related option available on the menu.
• Step 4: Fill in your FASTag details, including the linked register number if needed.
• Step 5: Set the amount of the recharge to be loaded into the FASTag wallet.
• Step 6: From the online payment gateway options, choose the payment mode that is convenient for you. These modes are normally categorised as net banking, debit, or credit cards.
• Step 7: Take some time to read through the transaction details.
• Step 8: Check the payment and take any other safety measures your bank may require.
• Step 9: Wait for the success message of the recharge.

Recharge FASTag Via Mobile Banking

• Step 1: Go to your bank’s mobile application and enter your account and password.
• Step 2: Go to the “Bill Pay” or “Payments” centre.
• Step 3: Click “Add Biller/Merchant” and choose “FASTag” from the list of biller categories.
• Step 4: Go through the list offered by your bank’s FASTag menu.
• Step 5: Enter your Vehicle Registration Number or FASTag Wallet ID if required.
• Step 6: It is important to scrutinise the biller information as much as possible.
• Step 7: Agree to the terms and conditions, then click OK to add the FASTag biller.
• Step 8: After adding, click on the FASTag biller of your preference from the list.
• Step 9: Enter the amount to recharge.
• Step 10: Select your payment options under the payment section of the application.
• Step 11: Check the transaction details and ensure you paid.
• Step 12: Wait for the pop-up signalling that the recharge was successful.

Recharge FASTag Via Digital Wallets

Here are the steps to recharge FASTag using digital wallets:

• Step 1: Open the app for the preferred digital wallet and log in.
• Step 2: Go to the "Recharge " or “Bill Payments” tab.
• Step 3: Look for the FASTag recharge option and click on it.
• Step 4: Select your FASTag issuer from the given banking partners list.
• Step 5: Enter the vehicle's registration number linked to the FASTag.
• Step 6: Enter the figure to recharge your FASTag account.
• Step 7: Choose the type of payment you will use within the wallet app's utility.
• Step 8: Check the transaction details and make sure all the information is correct.
• Step 9: Verify the payment and, if necessary, go through the steps in the security procedure.
• Step 10: Wait for the success confirmation message that will show you the recharge has been successful.

In addition to online options, there are offline options for recharging FASTag, even though online options are more common. 

Recharge FASTag Via Toll Plaza

Among various offline methods is the recharging method at toll plazas. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Look for the FASTag booth or the customer support area of the toll plaza.
• Step 2: When you get an attendant, ask him/her to recharge your existing FASTag.
• Step 3: Many toll plazas ask for the vehicle registration number and other FASTag-specific information.
• Step 4: Enter the cash value you want to add to your FASTag wallet.
• Step 5: Pay the recharge amount in cash or any other payment mode offered at the booth.
• Step 6: Make sure to save the receipt of your FASTag recharge through the app or proof of your recharge.
• Step 7: Check whether the newly calculated amount for a particular route is listed under your FASTag account there. If not, ensure that it appears after a few minutes.

Note: This method benefits travellers who require a quick energy boost. Nonetheless, the availability and processing times will differ from one toll plaza to another.

Recharge FASTag At Petrol Pump

Some fuel stations nationwide have entered into FASTag recharge services suitable for motorists. Below are steps on how you can recharge your FASTag at any petrol pump:

• Step 1: Find a petrol pump with FASTag recharge services. These are usually conveyed through posted lists or may be verified with the staff.
• Step 2: Go to the required counter or meet the attendant necessary for the services related to FASTag.
• Step 3: Mention the registration number and the FASTag details needed for your vehicle.
• Step 4: Enter the desired sum that you would like to add to your FASTag wallet.
• Step 5: To effect the recharge amount, insert cash or any other form of payment that may be allowed at the pump.
• Step 6: Ensure that you keep the receipt of the recharge of the FASTag account.
• Step 7: Wait for some time to let the FASTag account balance get updated in your record.

Recharge FASTag at Bank Branch

This method of manual recharging via bank branches can still be used. Here's how to do it: 

• Step 1: Meet an executive from the bank that issued you a FASTag from your branch.
• Step 2: Next, go to the counter assigned for FASTag services.
• Step 3: You must share your FASTag number with the bank, which must be linked to your vehicle registration number.
• Step 4: Hand over any identification documents the bank may demand as a condition of undertaking the business.
• Step 5: Choose the amount you want to add to your FASTag wallet.

Linking the account to the car registration number makes it easy to recharge the FASTag since there is no need to remember other details yet. Numerous platforms enable this method, which should apply to most users. Below is a broad overview of the main modes:

Recharge FASTag Via Digital Wallets

• On your phone, launch the wallet app of your choice.
• Select the FASTag recharge option.
• Select your FASTag issuing bank.
• Enter your VRN.
• Set the recharge amount and pay the money required.

Recharge FASTag Via Net Banking

• Navigate to your bank’s website and sign in to your account.
• Go to the bill payment/recharge menu.
• Select the FASTag option.
• Input your VRN.
• Recharge by entering the amount and accepting the transaction.

Recharge FASTag Via UPI Applications

• Choose the UPI application that fits your preferences, such as Google Pay or PhonePe.
• Choose FASTag recharge service.
• Enter your VRN.
• Specify the amount and confirm the UPI payment.

Recharge FASTag Via FASTag Website

• Visit the FASTag portal.
• Click on the ‘Check NETC FASTag Status’.
• Input code VRN and register mobile number.
• Choose the recharge option.
• Choose the payment option and finalise the payment.

My FASTag App

• First, install the FASTag app on your device and then create an account using the app.
• Enter your VRN.
• Please check the balance and select the recharge option.
• Select the payment type and complete the recharge.

Generic Recharge Option

• Open your FASTag supplier's application or web portal.
• Go for a “Generic” or “Quick Recharge” plan.
• Enter the desired amount.
• Make a full payment without the details of the vehicle.

FASTag ID Method

• You will need to log in to your FASTag account.
• Locate the recharge section.
• Your FASTag ID is your identification number for all the activities.
• Choose the Recharge Amount and pay.

Mobile Number Recharge

• Go to your provider’s recharge portal.
• Select the mobile number field.
• The key in the phone number is associated with the FASTag.
• Choose the quantity and complete the purchase.

Auto recharge enables the account associated with your FASTag to be fully charged at all times so that the FASTag does not require a top-up. Here's how to set it up:

• Step 1: Go for a FASTag issuer with an auto-recharge facility integrated with its offering.
• Step 2: Navigate to the FASTag provider's portal online or app through your browser or the app store.
• Step 3: Go to the auto-recharge or auto top-up setting option.
• Step 4: Connect a funding source (bank account, credit card, or digital wallet).
• Step 5: Offer a minimum amount below which the auto-recharge system will come into play.
• Step 6: Explain how much will be added automatically each time the defined limit is achieved.
• Step 7: Agree to the auto-recharge terms and conditions as presented.
• Step 8: Review your settings and enable the auto-recharge option.
• Step 9: Confirm the setup by looking for any message or email that has been sent confirming the same.

The monthly use of FASTag is handy for commutants who use the highways more often. Here's a hassle-free way to recharge your monthly pass:

Recharge FASTag Monthly Via Online Recharge

• Step 1: Go to the website of your FASTag issuer or the application if it has one.
• Step 2: Go to the recharge section once logged in.
• Step 3: Choose the option to purchase the monthly pass.
• Step 4: Select the amount of recharge that you would like to make
• Step 5: Make the final payment using other forms of digital payments.

Recharge FASTag Monthly Via Auto-Debit Setup

• Step 1: Activate auto-debit in your FASTag account preferences.
• Step 2: Choose the minimum balance which, when reached, will trigger the automation of the credit process.
• Step 3: Specify the auto-recharge amount.
• Step 4: Connect a funding source (a bank account or card).
• Step 5: The system refills automatically when the balance is low.

FASTag has the following benefits for its users:

• Seamless Transactions: Allows people to make toll payments without stopping.
• Time Efficiency: It also helps minimise the time spent at the toll plazas, enhancing travel speed.
• Fuel Economy: Since there is less idling at Toll Booths, less fuel is used.
• Convenient Recharging: A number of both online and offline ways of convenient account replenishment.
• Expense Tracking: Gives insight into the income and expenditure patterns to optimise the budget.
• Environmental Impact: Better traffic flow around tolls can also reduce vehicle emissions.
• Enhanced Security: This reduces the amount of physical cash dealing, which helps to reduce the problem of embezzlement at the plaza.
• Nationwide Compatibility: Valid at all tolls nationwide for a convenient journey on a single tag.
• Real-time Notifications: Notifications on each transaction and low balance.
• Discounts and Offers: Certain issuers offer cash back or toll fee concessions to FASTag users.

FASTag has emerged as a new toll collection model in India, providing convenience to highway users. Boasting many recharging methods and gains, it is now considered one of the most efficient tools for modern travellers. 

As this system is being developed, integrating with FASTag will lead to better rides and be a positive step towards improving transport infrastructure across the country.