No more cash at highway tolls from April 10, you’ll need FASTag to pass; UPI will cost you more

New Delhi: In a major push towards fully digital toll collection, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that cash payments at toll plazas across national highways will be discontinued from April 10.

As per a gazette notification, FASTag will remain the primary mode of payment, while motorists without a valid FASTag can still pay via UPI, but at a 25 per cent higher charge.

Over 1,150 toll plazas to go cashless

The new rule will be implemented across more than 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and expressways throughout the country, marking a complete shift to digital tolling infrastructure.

FASTag mandatory for toll payments

The government has made it clear that all vehicles must use FASTag for toll payments at fee plazas. The move aims to reduce congestion, eliminate long queues and ensure smoother traffic flow on highways.

A senior NHAI official said the decision is part of ongoing efforts to modernise toll collection and improve commuter experience nationwide.

UPI as backup, but at a cost

For vehicles entering toll plazas without a valid or functional FASTag, UPI will be offered as an alternative payment method. However, such users will be required to pay 1.25 times the applicable toll fee for their vehicle category.

The notification states that if a driver chooses not to pay through FASTag or UPI, the case will be handled as per existing enforcement rules.

FASTag annual pass gains popularity

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also reported strong adoption of its FASTag annual pass, which offers up to 200 toll crossings for Rs 3,000 per year. Since its launch on August 15, the pass has crossed 50 lakh subscribers and recorded 26.55 crore transactions.