- National Highways Authority of India enforces 100% digital toll payments from April 1
- Toll payments must be made via FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI) only
- Vehicles without valid digital payment face double toll fees or penalties
Starting today, i.e., April 1, the National Highways Authority of India has moved to enforce 100 percent digital payments across toll plazas nationwide, marking a significant step toward fully cashless highway travel. The decision aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and enhance transparency in transactions.
All toll payments at National Highway fee plazas will now be processed exclusively through digital modes, using FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said. Vehicles without FASTag or valid digital payment methods may face penalties or be charged double the toll fee, as authorities push for strict compliance.
The reasons behind the move:
- As per a PTI report, officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways believe that a fully digital system will help vehicles pass through toll plazas faster, reducing long queues and saving travel time.
- In addition to easing congestion, the move is expected to curb revenue leakages and improve operational efficiency at toll plazas.
- Digital payments create a clear audit trail, minimising the scope for discrepancies and ensuring better accountability in toll collection systems.
- Faster processing at toll booths is also expected to cut fuel consumption and lower vehicle emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
However, the shift may pose challenges for some commuters, particularly those in rural or remote areas who are less familiar with digital payment systems.
Authorities have urged motorists to ensure their FASTag accounts are active and sufficiently funded to avoid inconvenience during travel. In such situations, commuters will have the option to complete payments instantly via UPI by scanning QR codes available at the booths.
Officials have also warned that occasional network disruptions may impact digital transactions, potentially leading to brief hold-ups. Travellers are therefore encouraged to ensure their FASTag is active, correctly linked to their bank account, and adequately funded before setting out. Keeping a functional UPI app on a smartphone as a backup is considered a prudent measure.
