The Center has announced a major change for highway users, in which cash payment at toll plazas will be stopped from April 10. The move, notified by the road transport ministry, aims to reduce long queues at toll gates and make highway travel easier for commuters.
No more cash payments on highways: Here’s how you’ll pay
With this change, toll payment on national highways will now become completely digital. Vehicles will primarily require a valid FASTag to pass through the toll plaza. In cases where FASTag is not available, users can still pay through UPI, but at a higher cost: 1.25 times the standard toll fee. Officials have also warned that vehicles without valid payment as per existing rules may be denied entry or removed from the highway.The decision is part of a broader effort by the National Highway Authority of India to transition to a fully-electronic toll collection system.
The government is also paying attention to the misuse of toll exemption. Instead of allowing motorists to show ID cards at booths, eligible users will now be required to have a “discounted Fastag”. Others can opt for an annual Fastag pass priced at Rs 3,075, which allows private cars to cross up to 200 toll plazas.Additionally, if toll fee is not paid, the authorities can issue an e-notice. If you do not pay the dues within three days, you may have to pay a fine double the toll amount.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)Fastag(T)Cash Toll Payment(T)National Highway Authority of India(T)Digital Toll Collection(T)Toll Plaza Changes(T)Highway Travel(T)UPI Toll Payment(T)Toll Waiver(T)E-Notice for Toll Dues(T)Ministry of Road Transport
