The government has made a major and stringent change to toll rules to make digital payments mandatory at toll plazas. Starting November 15, 2025, cash payments will become even more expensive for vehicles without a FASTag. According to the amendments to the National Highway Toll Rules, 2008, made by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, even if you pay tolls using UPI, you will still incur additional charges! This new rule is a significant step towards Digital India, but it will have a direct impact on commuters’ pockets.

What is the new toll payment rule

The new rule clearly warns commuters who still rely on cash transactions. Following the mandatory FASTag requirement, penalties have been increased to discourage non-digital methods. If a vehicle passes through a toll plaza without a FASTag and pays in cash, it will have to pay double the toll fee. This rule will be strictly enforced from November 15, 2025, almost completely eliminating cash transactions at toll plazas.

UPI payments will also incur higher fees

This is a new and significant change. If the same vehicle without a FASTag pays through UPI, it will still have to pay 1.25 times the toll fee. According to this rule, if the fixed toll fee is ₹100, paying through UPI will cost ₹125. This change indicates that FASTag will remain the most cost-effective and standard option for toll collection.

Understand the toll math

Suppose the fixed fee at a toll plaza is ₹100. If you use a FASTag, you will only have to pay ₹100. However, if you pay in cash, the fee will be ₹200, and if you use UPI, it will be ₹125. This new rule clearly indicates that FASTag will be the most cost-effective option for toll collection.

Digital Payments and Transparency

The primary objective of this significant change is to rapidly reduce cash transactions on national highways and significantly promote digital payments. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways states that this move will make the toll collection process more robust and completely transparent. The use of FASTag and UPI will make travel easier and faster for travelers. This will not only reduce long queues at toll plazas but will also save valuable time, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Advice for Travelers

Experts believe that this rule, which will come into effect from November 2025, is a stern warning to those who have not yet taken FASTag seriously. This rule is another strong step towards Digital India. To avoid additional charges and facilitate their travel, travelers are advised to immediately install their FASTag, recharge it on time, and use it regularly. UPI is an option, but now it has also become expensive, so FASTag is the most sensible option.