Highway travel in India may soon become completely cashless. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering a proposal to stop cash payments at toll plazas across the country from April 1, 2026. If it is implemented, passengers will have to use digital payment methods like FASTag or UPI to pay the toll fee.According to the authority, the move is part of the plan to create a completely digital toll collection system on national highways. After the proposed date, toll payments at fee plazas will be processed through electronic mode only.
Most highway users already use FASTag
FASTag adoption has increased rapidly in recent years, with more than 98 percent of vehicles already using the electronic toll system. Currently most toll payments are completed through RFID-enabled Fastag stickers, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping. UPI payment facility is also available at toll plazas.Under current rules, vehicles without valid Fastag have to pay double the toll amount if paid in cash. Motorists paying through UPI are charged 1.25 times the applicable toll fee.
Officials believe that cash transactions often lead to congestion, long waits and disputes at toll plazas. The shift to completely digital payments is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce delays at over 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and expressways.Stay connected to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and Xpress.
(TagstoTranslate)Cashless Highway Travel India(T)Digital Toll Collection System(T)Fastag Adoption(T)UPI Payment Toll(T)NHAI Cashless Proposal(T)Improving Traffic Flow(T)Toll Plaza Electronic Payment(T)Motorway Toll Payment India(T)Highway Congestion Solution(T)Electronic Toll Payment Benefits
