THE Government on Friday said that the NHAI is contemplating to completely discontinue cash transactions at the National Highway fee plazas across the country from April 1, 2026. The move will develop a fully digital National Highway tolling ecosystem. Post implementation, all toll payments at National Highway fee plazas will be processed exclusively through digital modes using FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI). According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the proposed measure is aimed at consolidating the gains achieved in Electronic Toll Collection and strengthening the efficiency and reliability of National Highway fee plaza operations.

 

“The transition will help to enhance ‘Ease of Commuting’ for National Highway users by improving lane throughput, reducing congestion at fee plazas and bringing greater consistency and transparency in toll transactions,” according to the official statement. Over 98 per cent penetration of FASTag has significantly transformed toll collection practices in the country. Moreover, an overwhelming proportion of toll transactions are processed electronically through RFID-enabled FASTag affixed to vehicles, facilitating seamless and contactless movement across toll plazas.