Starting November 15, drivers without a working FASTag on India’s national highways will face higher toll fees based on how they pay, according to new rules from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The changes aim to encourage phone-based payments and cut down on cash use at toll booths, making trips smoother and more transparent for everyone on the roads.
Under the updated National Highways Fee Rules, cars or trucks entering a toll plaza without a valid FASTag sticker will pay double the normal fee if using cash. But if they switch to a digital payment like UPI—India’s popular phone app for quick transfers—they’ll only pay 1.25 times the regular amount. For example, if the standard toll is Rs 100 with FASTag, cash payment jumps to Rs 200, while UPI brings it down to Rs 125.
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The goal is to speed up lines at the 1,150 toll plazas run by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), reduce waiting times, and make collections clearer by tracking digital transactions. Right now, non-FASTag users pay double no matter the method, but this tweak rewards those who go cashless. It builds on FASTag’s success since 2021, which has cut congestion and boosted electronic collections to over 98% of tolls.
How the New System Works
- With FASTag: Pay the normal fee automatically as you drive through—no stopping needed.
- Without FASTag, Cash Payment: Double the fee (e.g., Rs 100 becomes Rs 200).
- Without FASTag, UPI or Digital Payment: 1.25 times the fee (e.g., Rs 100 becomes Rs 125).
- Annual FASTag Pass Option: For frequent drivers, NHAI offers a Rs 3,000 yearly pass for up to 200 trips on private cars, jeeps, or vans—great for commuters.
The rules apply to all vehicle types at fee plazas on national highways and expressways. UPI works via apps like Google Pay or PhonePe at toll machines, making it easy even without FASTag. The ministry says this will save time, cut errors, and help the environment by reducing idling cars.
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Why These Changes Now?
The government wants fewer cash dealings at tolls to make things faster and safer—less handling of money means fewer jams and better records. FASTag has already transformed highways, but about 2% of vehicles still skip it, causing backups. By making UPI cheaper than cash for non-users, the rules nudge everyone toward digital options without punishing too hard. It’s part of a bigger push for easy payments, like the Rs 3,000 annual pass launched on Independence Day that sold 1.4 lakh units in days.
Road users get a grace period until November 15 to get FASTag stickers, which cost Rs 100-500 and link to your bank account for seamless tolls. Banks like HDFC or SBI issue them quickly online or at branches. Skipping it after that date? Expect the extra fees at every plaza.
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This update comes as India expands its highway network, with NHAI aiming for even quicker travel. Drivers on social media are mixed—some cheer the UPI break, others gripe about the hike. One Twitter user said, “Finally, a reason to ditch cash at tolls—lines will be shorter!” Check the NHAI app or website for your route’s plazas and get FASTag ready.
Via: Timesofindia