In a significant move to promote digital payment systems and ease traffic flow on highways, the indian government has introduced new toll payment regulations that will take effect from November 15, 2025. This includes the introduction of a double toll fee for vehicles that don’t have a FASTag and a 1.25x fee for payments made via UPI at toll plazas.
This step is aimed at encouraging the use of FASTag for seamless, cashless toll payments, while also regulating alternative payment methods like UPI to ensure smoother operations across the country’s expanding road network. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will affect your travel.
1. FASTag Mandatory: Double Toll for Cash Payments
The biggest change is the introduction of a double toll fee for vehicles without a FASTag. If your vehicle doesn't have a FASTag and you choose to pay your toll in cash, you will be charged twice the regular toll fee.
What Is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions. The tag, which is affixed to the vehicle's windshield, enables automatic toll deduction as vehicles drive through toll booths, ensuring quicker passage and reduced congestion.
Why the Move?
The indian government is trying to promote the use of digital payment methods and reduce congestion at toll plazas. With the rollout of FASTag, toll booths will be able to process transactions faster, without the need for cash handling, which is not only more efficient but also safer and more eco-friendly.
· Faster Travel: By using FASTag, vehicles don’t have to stop at toll plazas, which reduces travel time and congestion.
· Environmental Impact: Moving to a digital toll system cuts down on paper receipts and the environmental impact of cash transactions.
· Transparency: FASTag ensures greater transparency and accountability in toll collection.
2. Cash Payments Are Now More Expensive
Starting November 15, if you don’t have a FASTag and need to pay toll fees in cash, you will be charged double the toll fee. For example:
· If the regular toll for your vehicle is ₹50, you will now need to pay ₹100 if you don't have a FASTag.
· The aim is to push more and more vehicles towards using FASTags for faster, more efficient toll payment.
What Should You Do?
It’s time to get a FASTag if you don’t have one already! FASTag can be purchased at various banks, NHAI outlets, and even online platforms. If you have a vehicle that frequently travels on highways, having a FASTag will save you not only the hassle but also the additional cost.
3. 1.25x Fee on UPI Payments
In addition to the double toll charge for vehicles without FASTag, there is also a 1.25x fee introduced on payments made via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) at toll plazas. This means that if you choose to pay your toll using UPI methods, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, you will incur an additional 25% charge over and above the regular toll fee.
Why a 1.25x Fee for UPI Payments?
The rationale behind this new fee structure is to encourage the adoption of FASTag while still allowing people the option of using UPI payments for convenience. However, UPI transactions tend to incur processing costs for the toll plaza operators, which the government has decided to offset with this additional fee.
4. How FASTag Will Benefit You in the Long Run
Although these changes might seem like a burden for those used to paying tolls in cash or via UPI, the adoption of FASTag brings long-term benefits, including:
1. Hassle-Free Travel
With a FASTag, you won’t need to stop to pay toll fees. This makes your highway travel faster and smoother, especially during peak hours when toll plazas are heavily crowded.
2. Reduced Fuel Consumption
Because you don’t have to stop and wait in line to pay the toll, you will save on fuel costs by reducing idling time.
3. Improved Highway Infrastructure
The digital tolling system reduces the need for cash collection, which in turn reduces the chances of human error, corruption, and delays. The toll collection process becomes far more efficient, contributing to overall improvements in national highway infrastructure.
4. Increased Transparency and Security
With FASTag, toll payments are automatically recorded, ensuring greater transparency in toll collections. There’s also a reduced risk of theft or mismanagement of cash.
5. How to Get FASTag for Your Vehicle?
If you don’t have a FASTag yet, here’s how you can get one:
· Online Platforms: You can order a FASTag from various banks or directly from the NHAI website.
· Bank Branches: Visit your nearest bank branch and request a FASTag for your vehicle.
· Authorized Agents: FASTags are also available through authorized agents at toll plazas, petrol stations, and other retail locations.
Once you have your FASTag, make sure to link it to your bank account or digital wallet for smooth and easy toll payments.
6. Conclusion: Get Ready for Smooth and Fast Highway Travel
The new toll payment regulations that will come into effect from November 15, 2025, mark a major step towards improving efficiency and reducing traffic congestion on India’s highways. By making FASTag mandatory and introducing the double toll charge for cash payments, the government is encouraging digital payments and aiming for a seamless travel experience for all road users.
If you travel regularly on highways, now is the time to switch to FASTag to avoid unnecessary charges and enjoy faster, hassle-free journeys. With digital payments taking over, these changes will bring about smoother travel, reduced delays, and a more transparent toll system across the country.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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