Will UPI Payments at NH Toll Plazas Be Cheaper Than Cash for Non-FASTag Vehicles Starting November 15?
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Synopsis
Starting November 15, 2023, drivers without a functional FASTag will find paying tolls at National Highways more economical with UPI payments costing just 1.25 times the fee compared to double when paying cash. This initiative encourages digital transactions and enhances the overall commuting experience.
Key Takeaways
- Non-FASTag users can pay 1.25 times the fee using UPI.
- Cash payments will incur a charge of twice the fee.
- Amendment promotes digital payments and transparency.
- FASTag-based annual toll pass introduced for Rs 3,000.
- Pass valid for 200 trips or one year.
New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Drivers who do not possess an operational FASTag will only need to pay 1.25 times the standard fee at toll plazas on National Highways (NHs) when using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for payment, starting from November 15, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Saturday.
In an effort to encourage digital transactions and phase out cash payments at user fee plazas for Non-FASTag users, the Indian government has revised the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
According to the updated regulations, vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid and functioning FASTag will incur a charge that is double the applicable user fee if they choose to pay in cash.
As per the announcement, users opting for UPI will only pay 1.25 times the applicable fee for their vehicle category.
For instance, if a vehicle's user fee is Rs 100 with a valid FASTag, it will cost Rs 200 if paid in cash, while the UPI payment will only be Rs 125.
This rule change is aimed at enhancing the fee collection system, promoting transparency in toll operations, and making the commuting experience smoother for users on National Highways.
The Ministry confirmed that this notification will take effect from November 15, 2025.
The latest regulatory update signifies the Indian government's dedication to utilizing technology for effective toll collection and decreasing congestion at toll booths, as stated.
The new regulations are expected to foster the use of digital payments, improve transparency in toll operations, and enhance the overall travel experience on National Highways.
On Independence Day this year, the government also launched a FASTag-based annual toll pass for private vehicles, available for Rs 3,000.
This pass can be utilized at toll plazas overseen by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India for cars, jeeps, and vans.
The pass allows for 200 toll trips or remains valid for one year after activation, whichever happens first. After reaching the limit, the FASTag will automatically switch to the standard pay-per-trip mode. A single one-way crossing at a point-based toll plaza counts as one trip, while a return counts as two. In closed or ticketed systems, a complete journey from entry to exit is considered a single trip.
This pass is exclusively available for cars, jeeps, and vans registered for personal use, not for commercial vehicles.
Point of View
This amendment in toll payment regulations reflects the government's commitment to integrating technology into everyday travel. It is a significant step towards enhancing user experience and ensuring efficient toll collection while promoting cashless transactions, aligning with global trends toward digitalization.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new toll payment rule for non-FASTag vehicles?
Starting November 15, 2023, non-FASTag vehicles can pay just 1.25 times the applicable toll fee using UPI, instead of paying double when using cash.
When does the new toll payment rule come into effect?
The new rule will take effect on November 15, 2023.
What happens if I pay cash at the toll plaza?
If you pay cash without a valid FASTag, you will be charged double the applicable user fee.
How will this change impact toll collection?
This amendment aims to improve transparency in toll collection and promote the ease of commuting on National Highways.
Are there any new toll pass options available?
Yes, the government recently introduced a FASTag-based annual toll pass for private vehicles, priced at Rs 3,000.
