No cash at toll booths from April 10: NHAI makes FASTag mandatory; check details

New Delhi: Highway travel across India is set to become entirely digital, with the National Highways Authority of India announcing that cash payments at toll plazas will be discontinued from 10 April 2026.

The authority is also promoting wider use of FASTag and Annual Pass systems under a revised toll framework. The initiative is aimed at reducing waiting times at toll booths and ensuring a smoother, more efficient travel experience for commuters.

Cash payments at toll plazas to be discontinued

In a move designed to speed up traffic flow and improve convenience for motorists, the NHAI has confirmed that toll plazas will no longer accept cash payments starting 10 April 2026. FASTag will serve as the primary method of payment across highways.

For those without a valid FASTag, an alternative option will be available through UPI payments, allowing travellers to continue their journey without interruption.

FASTag and UPI to drive digital payments

As previously indicated, vehicle owners who do not possess a valid FASTag will still be able to pay toll charges using UPI. However, such users will be required to pay a toll fee that is 25 percent higher than the standard rate.

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Authorities have also clarified that motorists who decline to use either FASTag or UPI will not be permitted to enter toll roads. In such cases, an electronic notice may be issued. If the toll fee remains unpaid after the issuance of this notice, the vehicle owner may be liable to pay double the standard toll amount.

End of informal ID card exemptions

The NHAI has also announced the discontinuation of informal exemptions based on identity cards. In recent times, there have been several instances where government identity cards were used to grant toll exemptions to private vehicles.

Going forward, only eligible vehicles fitted with exempted FASTags will be allowed to pass without paying toll charges. Government personnel travelling in private vehicles will no longer be granted entry on the basis of identification alone.

This measure is intended to curb misuse of exemptions and minimise disputes at toll plazas.