New Delhi: In a major step towards fully digitising India’s highway network, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to eliminate cash payments at toll plazas across national highways from April 1. Under the proposed system, toll charges will be accepted exclusively through FASTag and UPI, marking a significant shift towards seamless, contactless travel.
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), nearly 98% of toll collections are already made via FASTag, paving the way for a complete transition to digital payments. The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency, improving operational efficiency, and reducing long queues at toll plazas.
The new system will be rolled out at more than 1,150 toll plazas nationwide. As per existing regulations, vehicles without FASTag are required to pay double the toll amount — a rule that will further reinforce compliance under the cashless model.
Officials highlight that FASTag has already delivered remarkable results. During the 2022–23 financial year, the average waiting time at toll plazas dropped sharply from 734 seconds to just 47 seconds. NHAI has also expressed confidence that by the end of 2026, all toll plazas in the country will enable seamless, barrier-free travel, transforming the highway experience for millions of commuters.
