If you own a car and travel on national highways, you’ll need to change your habits in the coming days. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken a step towards eliminating cash payments at toll plazas. From April 1st, cash payments for toll tax will no longer be accepted on national highways across the country. Vehicle owners will now have to pay tolls only through FASTag or UPI.
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Why is cash payment being eliminated?
Cash payments at toll plazas have led to problems such as long queues, wasted time, and increased fuel consumption. The government believes that digital tolling will make highway traffic smoother and faster. Additionally, a digital record of every transaction will be maintained, significantly reducing the possibility of any irregularities or disputes.
Why was this change necessary despite FASTag?
Although most vehicles in the country use FASTag, many people still occasionally pay tolls in cash during highway travel. In some cases, cash payments were resorted to due to a malfunctioning FASTag, insufficient balance, or for infrequent travelers. The new system will eliminate these options.
Preparing for the future of tolling
Cashless tolling is considered the first step towards a multi-lane free-flow system. In this technology, there will be no barriers at toll plazas, and vehicles will be able to pass through at normal speed without stopping. The toll will be automatically deducted with the help of sensors and cameras. This system is currently being tested at a few selected toll plazas in the country.
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What preparations are necessary before traveling on the highway?
To avoid any problems during highway travel after April 1st, it is essential to have an active FASTag with sufficient balance. Additionally, having a working UPI app on your smartphone linked to your bank account will also be crucial. Crossing a toll plaza without digital payment may be difficult.
