Highway travel across India is set to go fully digital, with the National Highways Authority of India announcing that cash payments at toll plazas will be discontinued from April 10, 2026. The move is part of a revised toll framework promoting wider adoption of FASTag and annual pass systems to reduce congestion and ensure smoother travel.
Cash payments to end at toll plazas
In a bid to ease traffic flow and improve convenience, NHAI has confirmed that toll booths will no longer accept cash payments from the указан date. FASTag will become the primary mode of payment across national highways.
Motorists without a valid FASTag will still have an option to pay via UPI, ensuring they can continue their journey without disruption.
FASTag, UPI to drive digital toll collection
Vehicle owners without FASTag can use UPI, but will be charged 25% higher than the standard toll rate. Authorities have also made it clear that those refusing both FASTag and UPI will not be allowed to enter toll roads.
In such cases, an electronic notice may be issued, and failure to clear dues could result in a penalty of up to double the toll amount.
End to ID-based toll exemptions
NHAI has also decided to scrap informal toll exemptions based on identity cards. Instances of misuse—where private vehicles were allowed free passage using government IDs—have prompted stricter enforcement.
Going forward, only vehicles with officially exempted FASTags will be allowed toll-free passage. Government personnel travelling in private vehicles will no longer be granted exemption solely on the basis of ID.
The move aims to curb misuse, reduce disputes, and streamline toll operations nationwide.
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