Cash payments at highway toll plazas in India will stop. From April 10, national highway travellers will no longer pay toll charges using cash. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified this step. According to reports, authorities announced this through a gadgets notification. This change benefits our organization as it promotes complete digitalization. Under the new rules, travellers who use UPI without FASTag must choose the payment option at the toll plaza. Authorities will impose higher charges on highway users who do not comply, making compliance nearly unavoidable.

Mandatory Shift to Electronic Toll Payments

PTI reports that, starting April 10, authorities will make all toll payments on national highways electronic. This move showcases the government’s push for digital infrastructure and cashless transactions in the long term. FASTag already dominates usage, and people now consider digital payment the default and expected mode of transaction. Because of this, many users, especially new ones, may not notice the change. Over the past few years, many toll plazas have already reduced or discouraged cash payments. However, the system will still offer an alternative for drivers who do not use FASTag, but they will pay extra for it.

Higher Charges for Non-FASTag Users

If any vehicle enters a toll plaza without a valid FASTag, authorities will still allow payment through UPI. However, they will charge 1.25 times more than the standard toll. This extra 25 percent may seem small at first glance, but it adds up during long-distance travel. The policy clearly aims to discourage last-minute or non-compliant payments. It will also help our viewers understand the importance of installing and maintaining a working FASTag instead of relying on alternatives.

Focus on Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India state that they designed this move mainly to improve efficiency. Long queues at toll plazas have remained a constant problem. Even a small delay per vehicle can create kilometres of congestion during peak hours. Vehicles equipped with FASTag pass through toll points without stopping, as the system automatically deducts the fee and reduces transaction time. The policy also offers environmental benefits, although officials have not strongly highlighted them in the notification. Shorter waiting times reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions, especially on busy routes.

Minimal Impact on Regular Users

For most highway users, the shift will feel minor since FASTag already sees widespread use across the country.

Adjustment Needed for Cash and Occasional Users

Drivers who rely on cash, travel occasionally, or have inactive FASTags will need to adjust soon. The 1.25x fee on UPI payments makes it less convenient for them to stay outside the FASTag system.