New Delhi: From April 10, road travel across India will enter a new era as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) eliminates cash payments at toll booths, making digital transactions the only way forward.
The move aims to cut long queues, speed up traffic flow, and bring uniformity to toll collection nationwide.
Under the new rule, FASTag remains the primary mode of payment. For vehicles without an active FASTag, tolls can still be paid via UPI, but at a 25% higher charge, making FASTag the most cost-effective option for regular commuters.
Drivers refusing both FASTag and UPI will be denied entry under the National Highways Fee Rules, with unpaid dues doubling if not cleared within three days.
Another major change is the tightening of toll exemptions. Informal waivers through government ID cards in private vehicles will no longer be accepted. Only officially eligible vehicles fitted with Exempted FASTags will be allowed to pass without payment, reducing misuse and disputes at plazas.
To encourage frequent users, NHAI is promoting the FASTag Annual Pass, priced at Rs 3,075 for private vehicles. Valid for one year or 200 crossings, it offers significant savings for intercity travelers.
This digital shift marks a turning point in India's highway commuting, promising smoother, faster, and more transparent journeys.