The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has stated that payments via cash at toll booths will end from April 10, 2026, onward. According to the governing body, toll payments must be made through electronic transactions only (FASTag or UPI). This announcement aims to mitigate long queues at plazas and ensure seamless travel on national highways and expressways.
- Authorities can deny highway entry to the vehicle if the toll isn't paid.
- Government offices can apply for ‘Exempted FASTag's.
- New multi-lane free-flow toll system to enable toll deduction without a physical stop.
What will happen if you do not have a valid FASTag?
If the vehicle does not have a valid FASTag, it will still be allowed to pass, provided the driver/vehicle owner pays 1.25 times the normal fee via UPI. Failure to pay the toll fee allows authorities to invoke Rule 14 of the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008, under which authorities can refuse entry to the vehicle on the concerned road stretch. E-notices can be issued in case the vehicle’s passage is recorded by cameras/RFID, but no payment is received, wherein owners have to pay the regular toll fee within three days or pay double the amount.
New amendment to bring an end to ID-based waivers
To bring an end to government officials using their identification cards for toll waivers on personal trips, MoRTH has also appealed to government offices and suitable departments to acquire ‘Exempted FASTags’ or FASTag-based annual passes. Officials confirmed that the exemption will apply only to the government authorities and not the individual.
New multi-lane free-flow toll system to reduce congestion
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working toward developing signal-free or multi-lane-free-flow tolling across the country’s highways. Such a system will enable cars to pass through toll booths without stopping; the fee is deducted automatically from cameras and RFID readers scanning your vehicle at speed. An e-notice will be issued if a valid FASTag is missing on the vehicle.