Cashless Toll Plazas: FASTag and UPI Now Mandatory Nationwide
No More Cash at Toll Booths: Only FASTag and UPI Payments Allowed: The way people travel on the country’s highways is changing. A major change in toll payment is coming soon. From April 1, the central government plans to stop cash payments at National Highway toll plazas. Drivers will be able to pay tolls only through FASTag or UPI.
This change will remove long queues, the problem of loose change, and frequent stops at toll booths. The government expects smoother and faster travel on highways.
Under the new system, drivers must use digital payment methods. The government believes this step will save time, reduce fuel consumption, and make journeys easier.
Why are toll plazas going cashless?
The government has been preparing for cashless toll plazas for some time. An official notification is expected soon. The main goal is to reduce traffic congestion at toll booths.
With digital payments, vehicles will not need to stop for cash transactions or wait for change. This will help save fuel by reducing braking and accelerating at toll plazas. Digital payments will also keep a clear record of all transactions.
What are the other benefits?
V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said that India’s digital economy is growing fast. The government earlier introduced UPI payments at toll plazas, and people responded positively. Because of this success, the government has now decided to completely stop cash payments.
From April 1, only FASTag or UPI will be accepted at toll plazas: Officials say this move will help modernize India’s toll system. The government is also working on a barrier-free tolling system called Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF). Under this system, vehicles will pass through toll areas at normal speed without stopping. The government is studying advanced toll technologies used in other countries to implement this system in India.
