Govt revises guidelines on issuance of exempted FASTags for Divyangjan, PwD vehicles

Vehicles registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ category will get an exempted FASTag based on the percentage of disability recorded in a valid disability certificate, unique disability identity (UDID) card or other applicable records, as the Government on Thursday revised guidelines for the segment.

In a statement, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said that to promote ease of living for the citizens and further simplify toll-related procedures for Divyangjan and persons with disabilities (PwD), it has revised the guidelines for issuance and renewal of exempted FASTags for eligible Divyangjan/PwD beneficiaries.

Earlier, guidelines mandated renewal of exempted FASTag for Divyangjan on an annual basis.
“However, as per the new guidelines, validity of the exempted FASTag will be determined by the recorded percentage of disability.  “FASTag issued to persons with 70 per cent to 100 per cent disability will be valid for five years, while those issued to persons with 40 per cent to less than 70 per cent disability will be valid for three years,” the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the exempted FASTag may be renewed thereafter, subject to continued eligibility and compliance with the provisions of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
The revised provisions are aimed at making the National Highway tolling ecosystem more accessible, transparent and user-friendly for eligible Divyangjan/PwD beneficiaries.