Toll Tax: Preparation to stop cash toll on National Highways from April 1, 2026, Fastag-UPI will be mandatory – Govt Likely To Discontinue Cash Payments At National Highways From April 1 Latest News In Hindi
The government on Friday said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering completely stopping cash payments at National Highway Fee Plazas across the country from April 1, 2026.
What is the purpose of this decision?
The objective of this step is to develop a completely digital national highway tolling system. So that the toll payment process can become more fast, transparent and reliable.
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fastag toll pass – Photo : Adobe Stock
How will toll payment be made?
After the implementation of the scheme, payment at all toll plazas on the National Highway will be done only through digital means. Under this, toll will be collected only through FASTag or UPI (Unified Payments Interface).
According to the government, why is this change necessary?
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this proposal is being brought to further strengthen the benefits of electronic toll collection and to increase the efficiency and reliability of toll plaza operations.
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fastag annual pass – Photo : Adobe Stock
What will be the benefit to the passengers?
The government statement said that this change will improve the ‘ease of commuting’ for national highway users. Lane capacity will increase, jams at toll plazas will reduce and there will be more uniformity and transparency in toll transactions.
How much has FASTag changed the toll system?
More than 98 percent penetration of Fastag in the country has completely changed the toll collection system. Today, a large number of toll transactions are being done electronically through RFID based Fastag. Due to which seamless and contact-less movement has become possible at the toll plaza.
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fastag toll pass – Photo : Adobe Stock
How far has the UPI facility reached?
According to NHAI, UPI payment facility has been started at the National Highway Toll Plaza. With this, passengers are getting the option of quick and easy digital payment.
What are the rules on cash and UPI payments right now?
Currently, if a vehicle does not have a valid and active Fastag and pays in cash, it is charged double the fixed toll fee.
Whereas, National Highway users who pay through UPI are charged only 1.25 times the fee as per the vehicle category.
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Fastag – Photo : Adobe Stock
What will change with a completely digital system?
The government says that adopting a digital-only payment system will strengthen operational efficiency, improve traffic management and reduce delays. And the experience of passengers will improve at more than 1,150 toll plazas across the country.
