Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 5: The Centre has announced that cash payments will be discontinued at toll plazas across the country from April 10, mandating digital transactions to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion.
In a gazette notification issued on April 2, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said vehicles passing through toll gates must pay via FASTag, failing which commuters can opt for UPI payments at 1.25 times the applicable toll fee. The option of cash payment has been completely withdrawn.
The move aims to streamline highway travel, minimise disputes, and prevent misuse of identity-based exemptions at toll booths.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier made FASTag mandatory, but cash payments were still permitted at higher charges. With the new rule, only FASTag or digital payments will be accepted.
In cases where a commuter is unable to pay via FASTag or UPI, the system will generate an “unpaid user fee” notice. The e-notice will be sent through SMS, email, or mobile applications, and will also be available on a designated portal.
If the toll amount is paid within 72 hours of receiving the notice, no penalty will be imposed. However, payments made after 72 hours will attract double the toll fee.
Failure to clear dues within 15 days will result in the amount being recorded in the VAHAN system, which could lead to restrictions on the vehicle.
The government said the initiative is part of efforts to digitise highway operations and ensure seamless movement of vehicles across toll plazas.