Toll Payment Guidelines: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made a significant announcement stating that cash payments will be entirely eliminated at toll plazas on national highways and expressways throughout the country starting April 10th. The primary aim of this initiative is to minimize long lines at toll plazas and offer quicker and more convenient travel for commuters. It has been frequently noted that cash transactions lead to lengthy queues at toll booths, causing wasted time and added inconvenience for travelers.
FASTag will be compulsory, and UPI will also be available as an option
With the new regulations, all drivers will be required to utilize FASTag. If a vehicle lacks a valid FASTag, the driver can pay the toll using UPI, but they will incur a charge of 1.25 times the standard toll fee. This indicates that traveling without a FASTag will be more expensive. Should the driver neglect to pay even via UPI, strict measures will be enforced against them. According to the regulations, such a vehicle may be prohibited from entering the highway or may be towed. Furthermore, an e-notice will be dispatched to the vehicle owner.
If a vehicle owner fails to settle the toll fee within three days of receiving the e-notice, they will face a double charge. This regulation aims to motivate individuals to pay promptly and enhance the efficiency of the system.
Fake discounts will also be prohibited
With this decision, the government has taken another significant step. The practice of obtaining exemptions by presenting identity cards at toll plazas will now be eliminated. In the past, many individuals leveraged their status or identity to evade toll payments, resulting in disputes and arguments at toll booths. The government has made it clear that toll exemptions are not designated for individuals, but rather for positions or government roles. Consequently, those who are genuinely eligible for exemptions will need to acquire an “Exempted FASTag” or an annual FASTag pass.
Additionally, the government has launched an annual FASTag pass for private vehicle owners, priced at Rs 3,075. This pass permits up to 200 toll plaza crossings annually. This is beneficial for those who regularly use the highways.
Toll system will be more modern in future
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now rapidly working toward implementing a multi-lane free-flow toll collection system across the country. Under this new technology, vehicles will not need to stop at toll plazas, and the toll will be automatically deducted.
What are the benefits for passengers?
This new system will provide numerous benefits to travelers. The most significant benefit will be saving time at toll plazas and making travel more convenient. It will also promote digital payments and reduce disputes.
