Cash will no longer work at toll plazas! New rule coming into effect from this day, know complete details before travelling.
FASTag mandatory April 2026: If you travel on the highway, then from April 1, the way you pay toll (toll plazas rule April 1) is going to change completely. Long queues, arguments over loose money and the compulsion to stop at toll booths, all these are now going to be put to an end. The government has decided that from April 1, all toll plazas in the country will be cashless (cashless toll plazas April 1) and toll tax will be collected only through FASTag or UPI.
This information was given by V Umashankar, Secretary, Union Road Transport Ministry, in an interview. He clearly said that cash payment at toll plazas will be completely stopped. Its purpose is to eliminate the jam at toll and make the journey hassle-free.
Trial going on at 25 toll plazas
The government is testing this decision before implementing it directly. At present, the trial of 'No-Stop' cashless system is going on at 25 toll plazas of the country. Although, official notification on this is yet to come, but indications are clear that this rule will be implemented in the entire country from April 1.
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Will get relief from traffic jam and wastage of time
Currently, despite FASTag being mandatory, cash transactions take place at many toll plazas. Due to vehicles which do not have digital payment, queues form and a situation of jam is created. Due to closure of cash, vehicles will not have to stop at toll booths, which will make the journey faster and easier.
3 big reasons behind the government's decision
Through this change, the government wants to achieve not just digital payments but many big goals -
Move towards barrier-free tolling
Eliminating cash payments is the first step towards the government's Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. In the coming time, there will be no physical toll checkpoints on the highways. Cameras and sensors will recognize the vehicle and the toll will be deducted automatically, without stopping.
Important advice for drivers
Keep FASTag balance check and account active before 1st April. If you do not have FASTag, then keep UPI payment active in your mobile. After the implementation of the rule, you may have to face fine or refund if you reach the toll plaza without digital payment.