ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Travelling across Pakistan’s motorway network has become easier with the expansion of the M-Tag system, a contactless toll payment solution launched by the National Highway Authority (NHA). First mandated for use on the M-2 Motorway between Lahore and Islamabad, M-Tag is now part of a broader drive to digitise transport infrastructure and reduce congestion.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register for the M-Tag and manage your account.
Step 1: Find a nearby registration booth
M-Tag booths are available at major toll plazas and service areas across the country, especially along the M-2 Motorway. These booths are equipped to handle new applications and issue RFID tags on the spot.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
To apply for an M-Tag, motorists must bring:
- Their original CNIC
- A copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate
Without these documents, your registration cannot be processed.
Step 3: Fill out the application form
Once at the booth, applicants will be asked to complete a form with the following details:
- Full name and contact information
- Vehicle registration number and model
CNIC number and vehicle ownership details
Ensure the information is accurate to avoid any processing delays.
Step 4: Submit the form and documents
Hand over the completed application form and documents to the booth attendant. The staff will verify the details and process your application in real time.
Step 5: Get your M-Tag issued and installed
After approval, the M-Tag RFID sticker will be affixed to your vehicle’s front windscreen. The tag enables cashless toll payments and allows uninterrupted passage through M-Tag-enabled lanes at motorway exits and entries.
Step 6: Manage your M-Tag via the One Network App
Motorists can download the NHA’s One Network app to:
- Recharge M-Tag balance
- Monitor travel history
- View toll deductions
- Access vehicle details and account statements
Receive real-time alerts from the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP), including weather conditions, diversions, and safety notices
The app serves as a one-stop digital platform for all M-Tag-related services. You can also use services like NayaPay to top-up your account on-the-go.
You need one, by law
In line with a Lahore High Court order issued in late 2021, all vehicles using the M-2 must be equipped with an M-Tag, or risk being diverted to the alternative GT Road. Enforcement of this rule began on 7 December 2021, with the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) instructed to ensure compliance.
The M-Tag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable seamless toll collection and ease congestion at motorway exits. Registration is relatively simple and can be completed either at designated motorway booths or through digital platforms linked to the NHA’s One Network system.
The introduction of M-Tag forms part of the federal government’s wider initiative to streamline toll collection, improve traffic flow, and curb revenue leakage. It also aligns with broader goals for smart transportation infrastructure and e-governance.
Authorities hope that greater public awareness and simplified registration processes will ensure higher adoption rates and smoother implementation across the country’s expanding motorway network.
