Paying for parking in Mumbai just got easier with FASTag integration! BMC launches initiative to curb fake parking attendants and digitize parking fee collection. Here’s what you need to know.

Mumbai Introduces FASTag Parking Payments to Curb Fraud and Simplify Commuting

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a new initiative that allows Mumbaikars to pay for parking through FASTag, the same RFID-based system used for tolls across India. This move is part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized parking attendants and aims to bring transparency, ease, and security to the city’s growing parking challenges.

What is FASTag and How Does it Work for Parking?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enabling automatic deduction of toll charges directly from a prepaid account linked to the tag affixed on a vehicle’s windshield.

The new system allows BMC-authorized parking zones to integrate with FASTag for seamless, contactless payment. As vehicles enter or exit designated parking lots, scanners will detect the FASTag and automatically deduct the applicable fee from the driver’s account.

Why Has BMC Introduced FASTag for Parking in Mumbai?

The decision comes in the wake of increasing complaints about fake parking attendants collecting unauthorized fees, often issuing fake receipts and operating in non-designated areas. These illegal practices not only cause revenue losses for the civic body but also inconvenience and confuse motorists.

To tackle this issue, the BMC has partnered with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and authorized private vendors to enable digital, traceable, and secure payment systems at public parking spaces. This will ensure that:

Only genuine parking spaces are used.
Payments are recorded and tracked.
Citizens are protected from parking scams.

Where is FASTag Parking Available in Mumbai?

As of now, the BMC has rolled out FASTag-based payment at several designated public parking lots in South Mumbai, Bandra, Andheri, and a few major business districts. The pilot project has received positive feedback and will gradually expand to cover more areas, especially those prone to illegal parking operations.

Future integration may include:

Malls and private parking operators
Airport and railway station parking
On-street parking in busy commercial zones

Benefits of Using FASTag for Parking

Here are the major advantages of FASTag-based parking payments:

1. No Cash Needed

Pay directly via your FASTag account. No need to carry change or worry about UPI QR codes.

2. Faster Entry & Exit

Avoid long queues at parking booths. The automatic system reduces waiting time.

3. Protection Against Frauds

Only designated, digitally-monitored lots will support FASTag, ensuring you’re not dealing with fake attendants.

4. Transparency in Charges

Receipts and payment history can be accessed via your FASTag provider’s app or SMS service.

5. Revenue Boost for BMC

With digital tracking, the BMC will receive accurate revenue and can reinvest it into better urban infrastructure.

Before parking your vehicle, look for:

Official BMC parking signs
A notice mentioning “FASTag Accepted Here”
Digital display boards with live parking fee updates
FASTag scanners at entry/exit points

Avoid handing over cash to any individual who cannot provide a valid BMC ID or digital payment receipt. Always ask for proof of payment.

Ensure your FASTag has sufficient balance.
Keep your account linked with your phone number to receive transaction alerts.
If you believe you’ve been scammed or overcharged, report it to the BMC’s parking helpline or via the MCGM mobile app.

This shift toward digitized parking through FASTag is a welcome move for Mumbai, a city grappling with traffic congestion, limited parking infrastructure, and fraudulent practices. By streamlining payments and improving transparency, BMC is setting a precedent for other urban centers in India to follow.

As this system expands, motorists can look forward to a hassle-free, safe, and efficient parking experience—no more arguments with fake attendants, no need for cash, and better civic governance overall.