M-Tag (Pakistan)
The M-TAG | |
Native name | M-Tag |
|---|---|
| Formerly | E-Tag by NADRA |
| Company type | Electronic Toll Collection System |
| M-Tag | |
| Predecessor | E-Tag |
| Headquarters | Kashmir Road, , |
Area served | Pakistan |
| Owner | National Highway Authority |
| Website | https://onenetwork.pk/ |
M-Tag is an electronic toll collection system deployed on the motorways of Pakistan by One Network.[1] It is the main ETC System for Pakistan. It is deployed on every motorway in Pakistan except M-8 motorway. It includes automated and centrally connected electronic toll collection.[2] M-TAG is also used on Lahore Ring Road.
History
In 2009 M-TAG was implemented by the National Highway Authority of Pakistan for a faster and smoother experiences in motorways. M-Tag used to be as E-Tag until it was discontinued and changed to M-Tag. E-Tag was mainly called as E-Toll. When E-Tag was suspended on M-1, M-Tag was made but was on M-2. Before E-Tag was implemented, all motorways had cash lanes and no ETC lanes. As more motorways were built, this transponder gradually expanded to all operational motorways in Pakistan except M-8 motorway. M-Tag was first implemented in M-2 motorway as E-Tag. It is also implemented on Lahore Ring Road and Gujranwala Expressway.
List of highways in where Pakistan M-Tag is and is not accepted
Highways where M-TAG is accepted (excludes future highways)
- M-1 motorway (Pakistan) (AH1, AH4)
- M-2 motorway (Pakistan) (AH1, AH4)
- M-3 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-4 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-5 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-9 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-10 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-11 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-14 motorway (Pakistan)
- M-15 motorway (Pakistan) (E-35)
- M-16 motorway (Pakistan)
- Lahore Ring Road
- Gujranwala Expressway
Highways where M-TAG is not accepted (excludes future highways)
- M-8 motorway (Pakistan) Partially Operational, Under Construction
Mandatory for Motorways
As of February 2025, M-Tag is mandatory for vehicles travelling on Motorways of Pakistan. For non M-Tag users, they will face a 50% additional charge.
Controversies and least benefits
- Some people have said that sometimes in toll plazas, the M-TAG lane is congested which can sometimes lead to issues and a traffic jam.
- In toll plazas with M-TAG, unlike other countries with ETC Gantries where you pay the toll with your TAG but you don’t stop, you have to stop at the toll plaza even with M-Tag. However it is noted that the antenna also scans the car if it has an M-Tag, so that a non M-Tag car cannot go in the motorway in the Express Lane by the gate not being opened.
- Some say that you still have to pay cash in the M-TAG lane sometimes.
- It has been described as having low efficiency.
Interoperable Tags
As of 2018, M-Tag is not interoperable with any toll transponders. However it was interoperable with E-Tag until 2018.
- E-Tag by NADRA (2016-2018)
References
- ^ Desk, News (2025-02-01). "Pakistan's national highways go fully digital with M-Tag implementation". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "One Network | Smart Transport & Security Solutions". One Network. Retrieved 2025-07-29.