The highly anticipated news finally has arrived. UPI users will happy to learn this, it is like a diwali gift. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has informed that toll fees will now be 1.25 times higher if a Fastag is not installed. Importantly, payments for vehicles lacking a Fastag can now be made using UPI .Previously, owners had to pay double the toll fee if their vehicle lacked a Fastag. This rule now is about to be updated.
The government says FASTag has reduced long queues at toll plazas . According to government data from 2022 , the average waiting time at toll plazas is now only 47 seconds . Nearly 98 % of highway users in the country use FASTag . This system not only saves time but also makes the toll collection transparent .
However , some people still do n’t use FASTags . They prefer cash payments . This increases the risk of irregularities in toll collection . Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari , during the launch of the satellite – based toll collection system in June 2024 , stated that cash payments would result in a loss of approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually .
Significance of the new rule
The new rule will reduce cash payments . The increased use of UPI will make toll collection more transparent and promote digital payments . This move will also provide relief to those who , for some reason , were unable to obtain a FASTag . The Ministry believes this will further speed up traffic movement at toll plazas .
What is the aim of the government?
The government decision is considered crucial in increasing toll collection and making it more customer-friendly. While it will promote digital payments, it will also curb fraudulent transactions at toll plazas, potentially increasing toll collection. Furthermore, this new facility is expected to reduce toll plaza travel time. Currently, FASTag penetration in the country has reached approximately 98%.