Bhubaneswar: In a bid to offer hassle free travelling in the state-run buses, Odisha government in collaboration with State Bank of India (SBI) launched automatic toll collection system 'FASTAG' for OSRTC buses.

State Commerce and Transport Minister Dr Nrusingha Sahu flagged off FASTAG service here on Tuesday. The service will be implemented in all 180 toll plazas across Odisha.

FASTAG, an automated toll tax collection mechanism, enables the commuters to pay tax without stopping at the toll gates.

Under the mechanism, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) buses will be provided with smart tag, which will automatically decode the signal and courtesy Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

The talks are in progress to implement the mechanism on all the government and private buses by April.

FASTAG is the brand name given to automated “Electronic Toll Collection System” launched by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways with National Highway Authority of India.

The RFID technology used in the system allows users to travel nonstop through dedicated FASTAG lane at toll booths and automated scanning of RFID tag on vehicle’s windscreen deducts toll charges from the linked pre-paid/post-paid account without stopping for the cash transaction.

The technology not only saves users time but also helps save fuel as one does not wait for cash transaction and clears traffic quickly.

Currently, FASTAG is operational at 180 toll plazas across national and state highways.

OSRTC is paying around Rs 1.70 crore per annum for toll fees at different toll plazas, sources said.

The roads ministry will provide a discount of 7.5% on the toll fee for using these tags.