New Toll Rule from November 15 to Encourage Digital Payments for Non-FASTag Users

Business News: In a major move to encourage digital transactions and reduce cash payments at about 1,150 toll plazas on National Highways and Expressways across the country, the Government of India has changed the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways shared this information through an official press release. 

Higher Charges for Cash Payments

According to the new rule, any vehicle entering a toll plaza without a working FASTag will need to pay double the normal fee if the payment is made in cash. However, drivers who make online payments at the toll plaza will be charged a lower amount than double the fee.

Discount for UPI Payments

The rule also says that if users pay through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), they will be charged only 1.25 times the regular fee for that vehicle category. For instance, if a vehicle has to pay Rs. 100 using a valid FASTag, the charge will become Rs. 200 when paid in cash and Rs. 125 when paid via UPI. This change is meant to make toll fee collection smoother, increase transparency, and make travel on National Highways more convenient. The new rule will come into force on November 15, 2025.

Govt’s Focus on Technology and Transparency

The ministry added that the updated rules highlight the government’s goal of using technology to make toll collection more effective and to reduce waiting time at toll plazas. The revised policy will promote the use of digital payments, bring more clarity to toll operations, and improve the overall travel experience for highway users.