India Tolls Go Digital: Cash transactions will not be allowed from April 1, Toll Gate towards 100% digital

India Tolls Go Digital: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to make toll plazas across the country completely digital. Cash transactions may be completely eliminated at all National Highway toll plazas from April 1, 2026. After this, toll payments can be made only through digital methods like FASTag or UPI. The objective of NHAI is to make toll operation more transparent and accurate. Currently, electronic toll collection systems are implemented at more than 1,150 toll plazas across the country.

Decision taken to reduce crowd at toll plaza

According to NHAI, cash payment at toll plazas often causes traffic jams. Cash transactions, especially during peak hours, lead to long lines and fights over change. This problem will end once digital payment becomes completely necessary. 98% vehicles already have FASTags.

The use of FASTag has increased rapidly in the country. According to the data, currently more than 98% vehicles have FASTags. According to the National Highway Toll rules, if a vehicle enters the FASTag lane of the toll plaza without an active FASTag and makes cash payment, then double the toll is charged. However, if a user makes payment through UPI, he is charged 1.25 times the applicable toll rate.

Changes in the system at more than 1,150 toll plazas

This step of NHAI will be implemented at more than 1,150 toll plazas and expressways across the country. The authority believes that completely digital transactions will make data management easier and prevent revenue leakage. This initiative is part of the government’s larger objective to make the national highway network highly efficient by integrating technology.