Starting April 10, 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will stop accepting cash at all toll plazas across national highways. This decision aims to minimize long queues and ensure a smoother journey for highway commuters. All vehicles are expected to transition to digital payment methods to avoid delays and heavy penalties at the gates.
New Rules for UPI and FASTag Payments
FASTag continues to be the mandatory mode of payment for all vehicles on national highways. However, for those without a valid FASTag, the UPI payment option will be available at a premium rate. Users paying via UPI will be charged 1.25 times the regular toll fee. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also discontinued traditional ID-based exemptions. Now, only authorized Exempted FASTags or specific annual passes will be accepted for toll-free travel.
Penalties for Non-Payment and Revised Pass Rates
The NHAI has introduced a strict penalty system for toll evaders. If a vehicle crosses without payment, an e-notice will be sent to the owner. Failure to pay within 72 hours will result in the toll amount being doubled. If the payment remains pending for 15 days, the vehicle details will be updated in the VAHAN database, which could lead to restrictions. Additionally, the annual FASTag pass fee has been updated for the new financial year. Key details are provided below:
| Rule Change | Effect and Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Payments | Completely stopped from April 10, 2026 |
| UPI Toll Rate | 1.25 times the standard fee |
| Annual Pass Price | Revised to ₹3,075 from April 1, 2026 |
| Non-payment Penalty | Double charge after 72 hours of crossing |
| Exemptions | Valid only via Exempted FASTags |
