In an effort to promote digital payments and reduce cash usage, the government is tightening rules at National Highway toll plazas. Starting November 15, 2025, vehicles without a valid FASTag will be required to pay a higher toll fee.The changes come through an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. From mid-November, vehicles without a FASTag will face double the usual toll fee if they pay in cash, while those who chose to pay using digital methods, such as the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), will have to pay 1.25 times the standard fee.“Such users who opt to pay the fee via the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), will be charged only 1.25 times the applicable user fee for that category of the vehicle. For example, if a vehicle needs to pay a user fee of Rs. 100 through valid FASTag, the fee will be Rs. 200 if paid in cash and Rs. 125, if paid via UPI.”It said that the amendment is intended to improve toll collection, boost transparency, and make travelling on national highways smoother.The ministry said that the move is part of the government’s plan to make toll collection more efficient, reduce congestion at plazas, and improve the overall experience for highway users.“The revised rules will encourage the adoption of digital payments, enhance transparency in toll operations, and improve the overall user experience on National Highways,” it further added.
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