Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 19: In a decisive move to streamline toll collection and ease traffic congestion, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that only cashless entry will be permitted at all toll plazas across the country from April 1, bringing an end to cash payments at toll gates on national highways and other major roads.
FASTag-based toll payment has been in force for several years and has seen multiple upgrades since its rollout. However, despite FASTag being mandatory, a significant number of vehicles continue to travel without it, opting to pay toll charges in cash and, in many cases, paying double the toll as a penalty. This option will no longer be available once the new rule comes into effect.
From April 1 onwards, cash payments will be completely discontinued at toll plazas. Toll charges must be paid through FASTag, and in cases where a FASTag is missing or non-functional, motorists will be allowed to make payments using UPI-based digital platforms. Officials clarified that while digital alternatives will be available, cash transactions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Officials said the decision was taken to reduce long queues at toll booths, save commuters’ time, and ensure greater transparency and efficiency in toll operations. Cash payments have frequently led to bottlenecks at toll plazas, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to other road users, prompting several complaints from motorists.
With the new policy set to kick in, vehicle owners have been advised to verify their FASTag status before travelling. Motorists should ensure that their FASTag is active, KYC formalities are completed, and sufficient balance is available in the account. Recharges can be done easily through UPI applications such as PhonePe, Google Pay and other digital platforms, helping travellers avoid last-minute hassles, especially during emergencies.
At present, authorities noted that the continued use of cash payments at toll plazas has been a major contributor to congestion and delays. Based on repeated complaints and field reports, the ministry decided to enforce complete cashless entry to improve traffic flow and operational efficiency.
The push towards digital payments at toll plazas is also aimed at enhancing traceability and transparency. Digital toll records make it easier to track payments and vehicle movement when required. Officials pointed out that in several instances, vehicles being searched for by law enforcement agencies managed to evade tracking by paying tolls in cash instead of using FASTag.
The nationwide rollout of cashless toll entry is expected to significantly improve traffic movement, strengthen digital tolling infrastructure, and bring greater accountability to highway operations.