NHAI launches OneTag FASTag portability service on Rajmargyatra app

Key Facts

• Launch Date: 17 September 2026
• Implementing Agency: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Service: OneTag FASTag portability service on the Rajmargyatra app
• Users Covered: More than 130 million FASTag users across India
• Technology: Retains the original RFID FASTag sticker; portability of the FASTag issuer bank
• Launched by: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari
• Joint Development: Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• Portability Process: Digital application, verification via six-digit Mobile Verification Code, new bank KYC and onboarding
• Wallet Balance: Existing issuing bank closes old wallet and refunds available balance
• Cooling Period: Six months between consecutive portability requests

Background & Context

FASTag, launched by NHAI, is an RFID-based electronic toll collection system mandatory for vehicles on India's national highways, linked to prepaid wallets or bank accounts. Traditionally, changing the FASTag issuer bank required replacing the physical RFID sticker affixed to the vehicle's windshield.

OneTag introduces portability modeled on mobile number portability, allowing users to switch FASTag issuer banks without changing the physical tag or FASTag ID linked to the vehicle. This reduces operational overhead, saves resources, and enhances user convenience while aligning with India's National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) framework.

The system was announced and launched at the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai to bring flexibility and consumer empowerment in digital toll payments.

Why This Matters for Exams

The OneTag initiative reflects ongoing government efforts to digitize transportation infrastructure and improve digital payment ecosystems in India. Competitive exams increasingly focus on recent government technological advancements, digital governance, and infrastructure projects. Understanding OneTag's functioning, stakeholders (NHAI, IHMCL, NPCI), and its role in enhancing the Digital India vision is significant for subjects related to current affairs, technology, and governance.

Points to Remember

• OneTag enables changing the FASTag issuer bank without replacing the physical RFID tag.
• The portability request is initiated through the Rajmargyatra app with vehicle registration verification.
• Authentication is completed via a six-digit Mobile Verification Code sent by the current issuing bank.
• The same physical FASTag sticker, Tag ID, and vehicle registration number are retained post-portability.
• The new issuer bank completes KYC and wallet onboarding digitally.
• The previous issuing bank closes the old FASTag wallet and refunds any available balance to the user.
• A mandatory six-month cooling period applies before another portability request can be made for the same FASTag.
• The system encourages competition among banks and offers improved lifecycle management of FASTag accounts.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. What technology does FASTag use for electronic toll payments?
2. Barcode scanning
3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
4. Global Positioning System (GPS)
5. Quick Response (QR) code

Answer: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Question 2

1. Which mobile application provides access to the OneTag FASTag portability service?
2. BHIM
3. Paytm
4. Rajmargyatra
5. UMANG

Answer: Rajmargyatra

Question 3

1. Who launched the OneTag FASTag portability service in 2026?
2. Narendra Modi
3. Nitin Gadkari
4. Rajnath Singh
5. Pranab Mukherjee

Answer: Nitin Gadkari