The Centre has announced a major change for highway users, with cash payments at toll plazas set to be discontinued from April 10. The move, notified by the road transport ministry, aims to reduce long queues at toll gates and make highway travel smoother for commuters.
No more cash payments on highways: Here’s how you will pay
With this shift, toll payments will now be fully digital across national highways. Vehicles will primarily need a valid FASTag to pass through toll plazas. In cases where a FASTag is not available, users can still pay via UPI, but at a higher cost: 1.25 times the standard toll fee. Authorities have also warned that vehicles without valid payment may be denied entry or removed from the highway, as per existing rules.The decision is part of a broader push by the National Highways Authority of India to transition to an all-electronic toll collection system.
The government is also addressing misuse of toll exemptions. Instead of allowing motorists to show ID cards at booths, eligible users will now need “Exempted FASTags.” Others can opt for an annual FASTag pass priced at Rs 3,075, which allows private cars to cross up to 200 toll plazas.Additionally, if a toll charge remains unpaid, authorities can issue an e-notice. Failure to clear dues within three days may result in a penalty of double the toll amount.Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X.