No Cash Payments at Toll Plazas on National Highways from April 10

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notifies complete shift to FASTag and UPI at over 1,150 fee plazas; cash transactions will end from April 10, 2026.

Ministry Issues Notification  

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a gazette notification discontinuing cash payments at all toll plazas located on national highways. The new rule takes effect from April 10, 2026. Commuters will now be able to pay toll fees only through FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Digital Modes Mandatory  

Under the updated rules, vehicles plying on national highways must use either a valid FASTag or UPI at fee plazas. The move forms part of the government’s push towards fully digital toll collection across the country’s extensive highway network.

Aim to Cut Queues  

A senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said the decision seeks to reduce long queues at toll gates and ensure smoother travel for daily commuters. Officials believe the cashless system will speed up passage and minimise delays that often stretch for kilometres during peak hours.

UPI Costs More Without FASTag  

The notification makes clear that vehicles entering a plaza without a functional FASTag can still pay via UPI, but at a higher rate. Users will have to pay 1.25 times the applicable toll fee. The exact provision states that if the owner or driver does not opt for the specified payment mode, the vehicle will be dealt with under existing rules.

FASTag Annual Pass Gets Costlier  

The change comes weeks after NHAI raised the price of the FASTag annual pass by 2.5 per cent. The pass now costs ₹3,075 instead of the earlier ₹3,000. The hike has already drawn attention from frequent highway users who rely on the annual pass for multiple trips.

Over 1,150 Toll Plazas Affected  

More than 1,150 fee plazas operate on various national highways and expressways across India. The uniform cashless policy will apply to every one of them, marking a nationwide shift in how tolls are collected on major roads.

Vehicle Prices Rise Adds Pressure  

The toll rule change coincides with a 2-3 per cent increase in prices of commercial and passenger vehicles that took effect from April 1. Buyers who booked vehicles earlier but received billing after March 31 must now pay the revised rates. This dual burden of higher vehicle costs and stricter toll payments has left many motorists concerned.

The transition is expected to bring short-term inconvenience for users who still prefer cash or lack digital payment options. Transport experts note that millions of vehicles use these highways daily, and the absence of cash counters may initially slow down those unprepared for the change. However, the government views the step as essential for modernising highway infrastructure and reducing leakages in toll collection.

This India news update aligns with broader government efforts to promote digital payments and improve efficiency on national highways. Frequent travellers have been advised to ensure their FASTag is active and linked to sufficient balance well before April 10. State transport departments are also expected to issue awareness drives in the coming days.

As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on seamless implementation. Officials have indicated that the cashless system will eventually make highway journeys faster and more predictable for millions of citizens. The no cash payments at toll plazas policy is now just two days away from becoming reality.