India is moving faster toward digital payments. Earlier, toll plazas accepted both cash and online modes of payment, but that is now set to change. Cash payments often slow things down due to exchange and change. From April 1, commuters may no longer be allowed to pay toll charges in cash at national highway toll plazas. Scroll down to know more!
Not Cash Payments At Toll Plazas
According to updates from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, toll payments will soon be accepted only through FASTag or UPI. According to NDTV, while the government has not issued an official notification yet, preparations for this change are already in progress. The main aim is to make highway travel faster, smoother, and more efficient for everyone.
Cash payments at toll plazas often slow down traffic in India. Manual handling, searching for cash, and change exchange lead to delays and long queues. By shifting completely to digital payments, vehicles can move through toll plazas more quickly. And the most important part is that cars will no longer need to stop, start, or idle at booths. Means? Saving fuel and reducing vehicle emissions.
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No Stopping For Vehicles With FASTag
Vehicles fitted with FASTag can pass through dedicated lanes without stopping. For commuters who do not use FASTag, UPI-based payments may serve as an alternative. As per NDTV, authorities are expected to impose penalties or deny passage if travellers fail to use approved digital payment methods at toll plazas.
Looking ahead, the government also plans to introduce a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system. Under this system, vehicles will not need to slow down or stop at toll plazas at all. Advanced technology will automatically calculate and deduct toll charges while vehicles continue moving at normal highway speeds.
Overall, this shift in payment methods marks a positive change for highway travel in the country. It focuses on saving time, reducing congestion, and making journeys more convenient for commuters.
What are your thoughts on this move? Do you think it will improve travelling in India? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Buying A New Vehicle? Know About The New FASTag Rules That Apply From February 1, 2026
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Rsrikhanth05