Fastag will continue as the primary mode of toll collection, while UPI will serve as an alternative for those without it.

NHAI Introduces Cashless Toll Plazas from April 10: Fastag Mandatory, UPI Payment Penalty 1.25x

Commuters on national highways will need to switch to cashless payments at toll plazas starting April 10, as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways moves to streamline highway travel. Vehicles entering toll plazas without a valid Fastag can use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), but they will be charged 1.25 times the regular toll fee.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expects this change to reduce long queues and make journeys faster for highway users. Fastag will continue as the primary mode of toll collection, while UPI will serve as an alternative for those without it.

NHAI officials emphasized that compliance is mandatory. Vehicle owners or drivers who fail to follow the prescribed payment method may face action under the relevant regulations.

The adoption of Fastag has been growing rapidly. NHAI recently reported over 50 lakh customers for its Fastag annual pass, which allows users to pass through 200 toll plazas in a year for 3,000 rupees. Since its introduction on August 15, 26.55 crore transactions have been completed using these passes.

Across India, more than 1,150 toll plazas operate on national highways and expressways. With the new cashless system, NHAI aims to streamline toll collection, reduce delays, and improve the overall experience for millions of highway commuters.