No cash on toll plazas from April 10; government moves to end ID-based exemptions

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that cash transactions at toll plazas will be discontinued from April 10, in a move aimed at reducing long queues and improving traffic flow on national highways and expressways.

The notification mandates digital payments for toll collection, with authorities expecting the shift to ease congestion and minimise disputes at toll booths.

According to the ministry, all toll payments must be made electronically. Vehicles without a valid FASTag will still be allowed to pass but must pay 1.25 times the standard toll fee via UPI.


If the driver or vehicle owner fails to pay through UPI, the case will be handled under Rule 14 of the National Highways Fee Rules, which allows authorities to deny entry or remove the vehicle from the highway. Additionally, an e-notice may be issued for unpaid tolls, with failure to clear dues within three days attracting double the charge.

Push for FASTag and annual passes

The ministry has also urged government departments and eligible entities to obtain “Exempted FASTags” or opt for FASTag-based annual passes. The annual pass for private cars is priced at ₹3,075 and allows up to 200 toll crossings.

Officials clarified that toll exemptions are linked to specific offices or authorities, not individuals. However, misuse of identity cards at toll plazas has been a recurring issue, often leading to disputes and delays.

Aim to reduce disputes and congestion

Authorities said the move is expected to significantly reduce altercations at toll booths and streamline the tolling process. The transition to fully digital payments is part of a broader push to modernise toll collection systems.

Towards seamless tolling system

The National Highways Authority of India is also working to fast-track the rollout of multi-lane free-flow or signal-free tolling across the highway network. Vehicles without valid FASTags may receive e-notices for pending toll payments under the new system.

(With inputs from TOI)