Get ready for wallet-free highway tolls. From April 1, 2026, India’s NHAI will prohibit cash entirely at national highway toll plazas, enforcing a pure digital model via Fastag and UPI. The Ministry of Road Transport detailed the plan, aiming to capitalize on electronic collection’s triumphs.
Fastag dominance is clear: 98%+ penetration has transformed plazas into smooth operations, with RFID enabling stop-free passages. UPI’s arrival provides instant digital fallback, making tolls accessible without physical tags.
The overhaul promises game-changing perks—swifter traffic, less congestion, peak-hour relief, and transparent accounting. Spanning 1,150 plazas, it will redefine travel efficiency for everyday commuters and long-haul drivers alike.
Today’s cash double-charges and UPI premiums foreshadow the cashless norm. Fastag annual passes, now over 5 million strong, boast 26.55 crore transactions in half a year. A flat Rs 3,000 unlocks a year-long or 200-crossing validity, eliminating recharge hassles.
By fortifying digital infrastructure, the government eyes broader gains: optimized management, minimal delays, and superior user experiences. This milestone propels India deeper into a seamless, sustainable mobility era.