In a major shift toward digital payments, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that cash payments at toll plazas on National Highways will be discontinued from April 10, 2026.
As per the notification, FASTag will remain the primary mode of toll collection. Vehicles without a valid or functional FASTag will still be allowed to pay via UPI, but at a higher charge of 1.25 times the applicable toll fee.
The move aims to reduce congestion and long queues at toll plazas, ensuring smoother travel for commuters. A senior NHAI official said the transition is focused on improving efficiency and promoting seamless toll collection.
The notification states that if a vehicle enters a toll plaza without a FASTag and opts to pay through UPI, the user will be required to pay 1.25 times the standard fee. If the driver or owner does not choose this payment method, the case will be handled under existing enforcement rules.
FASTag continues to be the backbone of toll payments in India. Recently, NHAI crossed 50 lakh subscribers for its FASTag annual pass, which allows up to 200 toll crossings for ₹3,000 per year. Since its launch on August 15, the pass has recorded 26.55 crore transactions.
India currently has over 1,150 toll plazas across National Highways and expressways, making digital toll collection a key part of the country’s transport infrastructure.
The decision marks another step toward a fully digital and faster highway travel experience.
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