The government has announced a major change in toll fee rules for vehicles traveling on national highways without FASTag.
Starting November 15, 2025, vehicles paying in cash at toll plazas will have to pay double the toll amount, while those paying through UPI or other digital modes will be charged 1.25 times the normal toll.
This decision has been taken to promote digital payments and bring more transparency to the toll collection system.
New toll fee rules and their impact
For example, if the toll amount for a FASTag user is ₹100, cash-paying vehicles will now pay ₹200, and those using UPI or other digital methods will pay ₹125.
This marks a major change from the earlier rule, where both cash and digital payments were charged double the fee.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced this policy under the third amendment to the National Highway Fee (Determination and Collection of Rates) Rules, 2008.
According to the ministry, this move will motivate travelers to switch to digital transactions, helping reduce traffic congestion, waiting time, and making toll collection faster and smoother.
The growing importance of digital payments
The government believes that digital payments will make toll collection more efficient and transparent.
By imposing higher charges on cash transactions, authorities aim to push travelers towards using FASTag or digital modes.
This will also help the environment, as lesser congestion at toll plazas means lower fuel consumption and reduced pollution.
What will be the impact?
For travelers who still pay in cash and don’t have a FASTag, this rule will bring a major change.
They will now either have to install a FASTag or pay digitally to avoid higher toll charges.
As more people switch to digital payments, traffic jams at toll plazas are expected to reduce, improving overall traffic flow on national highways.
Government order
The Ministry of Road Transport clarified that these changes were needed to encourage the use of modern technology, ensure transparency in toll operations, and improve travel efficiency.
The new rules will come into effect nationwide from November 15, and all travelers are advised to install FASTag or opt for digital payment methods to avoid paying higher toll fees.
