Starting November 15, 2025, vehicles entering toll plazas without a valid FASTag will face higher charges.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has updated the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, introducing differential charges to reduce cash payments and promote digital transactions.
Under the new rules:
Vehicles paying cash without FASTag will pay double the toll.
Those paying via UPI without FASTag will pay 1.25 times the normal toll.
For example, a ₹100 toll will cost ₹200 in cash or ₹125 via UPI.
Encouraging Digital Payments for Faster Highways
Officials say the changes aim to cut cash usage, improve transparency, and streamline toll collection.
FASTag has already achieved 98% penetration, with over 8 crore users, helping reduce congestion and wait times at national highways.
The addition of UPI payments provides a convenient alternative for occasional users or those facing technical issues with their FASTag, while still promoting digital payment adoption.
Annual FASTag Pass for Frequent Travelers
The government has also launched an Annual FASTag Pass for non-commercial vehicles like cars and jeeps.
Key details:
Cost: ₹3,000 per year (covers 200 toll crossings)
Activation: Within 2 hours via the Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI website
Coverage: 1,150 toll plazas nationwide
This pass allows frequent highway users to travel seamlessly without the hassle of frequent recharges.
A Step Towards Smarter, Tech-Driven Highways
India’s highways are rapidly moving toward digital transformation.
With around 45,000 km of tolled national highways and 1,200 toll plazas, the initiative is part of NHAI’s broader plan to create efficient, technology-driven highways.
The move benefits millions of daily commuters, reducing congestion, speeding up travel, and simplifying toll payments across the country.
