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Cash payments at National Highway toll plazas will be discontinued from April 10, 2024.
UPI transactions at toll gates will incur a 1.25 times higher charge compared to FASTag payments.
The policy aims to reduce traffic congestion, ensure smoother highway travel, and promote digital transactions.
FASTag remains the primary and most cost-effective electronic toll collection method.
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by NHAI, utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for automatic deduction of toll charges directly from a linked account while a vehicle is in motion. This ensures seamless passage. UPI (Unified Payments Interface), developed by NPCI, is an instant real-time payment system allowing inter-bank transactions via mobile apps. While UPI offers flexibility, the new policy incentivizes FASTag use by making UPI payments at tolls more expensive, promoting the dedicated electronic system for efficiency.
Simple Analogy: Think of FASTag as a dedicated express lane pass for tolls, allowing you to drive through without stopping. UPI is like paying with your phone at a regular checkout, which is convenient but might take a little longer or cost slightly more in this specific scenario to encourage the express lane.
An autonomous agency of the Government of India, responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways. It was established by an Act of Parliament in 1988.
An umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. It developed UPI and manages the FASTag system through its National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program.
The policy promotes cashless transactions and digital literacy, key objectives of the Digital India program.
FASTag is a cornerstone of this program, aiming for seamless electronic toll collection across the country.
Efficient toll collection and reduced congestion contribute to better management and utilization of national highway infrastructure.
The move further reduces reliance on cash for everyday transactions, pushing India towards a more cashless society.
GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
General Awareness: Economy, Government Schemes, Digital Initiatives.
General Awareness: Digital Payments, Indian Economy, Banking Sector Reforms.
General Awareness: Indian Economy, Infrastructure, Government Policies.
Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the 'Unified Payments Interface (UPI)'?
Answer: Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
With reference to India's projects on connectivity, consider the following statements: 1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat. 2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar. 3. Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: None
"Gold Tranche" (Reserve Tranche) refers to
Answer: a credit system granted by IMF to its members
Digital payments, government initiatives, and infrastructure development are consistently high-frequency topics across all competitive exams.
Electronic toll collection system using RFID.
Unified Payments Interface, an instant real-time payment system.
National Highways Authority of India, responsible for national highways.
Radio Frequency Identification, technology used by FASTag.