India is moving toward fully digital toll payments starting April 10, 2026.
Cash will no longer be accepted at national highway toll plazas, as the government makes FASTag and UPI the mandatory payment methods.
The change aims to reduce delays, streamline toll collection, and make highway travel smoother for everyone.
FASTag remains the primary mode, while UPI offers an alternative for those without FASTag.
How Digital Payments Will Work
Vehicles without FASTag can still pass through toll plazas, but there’s a catch: they will have to pay 1.25 times the regular toll fee via UPI.
This encourages drivers to adopt FASTag while keeping the flow of traffic uninterrupted.
Non-payment rules are strict:
An electronic notice will be issued if a vehicle passes without paying.
Dues must be cleared within 72 hours, or the toll amount doubles.
If unpaid for 15 days, the pending toll will be recorded in the VAHAN database, potentially causing vehicle restrictions.
Changes to Toll Exemptions
The government has ended the practice of officials using ID cards for toll exemptions.
Now, exemptions are allowed only through:
Exempted FASTags for eligible departments
Annual FASTag passes costing Rs 3,075
This step prevents misuse and disputes at toll plazas, making the system fairer for all road users.
Towards Barrier-Free Tolling
The shift to digital tolls is part of a bigger plan for barrier-free tolling.
Using cameras and RFID technology, vehicles may soon pass through toll plazas without stopping, with charges automatically deducted.
With most transactions already happening digitally, this system is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and make highway travel faster and more efficient.
