Toll plazas go cashless: new rule mandates digital payments

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): If you frequently travel on highways, this news is important for you. Starting April 1st, the method of paying toll tax at toll plazas across the country will change completely. The government has decided that cash payments will no longer be accepted at toll plazas, and tolls will be collected only through digital means like FASTag or UPI.

V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport, stated in an interview that toll plazas are being made completely cashless. The primary objective is to eliminate traffic jams and provide uninterrupted travel for commuters.

The government is conducting trials at 25 toll plazas before implementing this system. Currently, trials of the 'no-stop' cashless tolling system are underway at 25 toll plazas across the country. Although an official notification has not yet been issued, indications are that this system will be implemented nationwide from April 1st.

Relief from congestion and wasted time:

Despite the mandatory FASTag, many toll plazas currently accept cash payments, leading to long queues and traffic jams. With the discontinuation of cash payments, vehicles will no longer have to stop at toll booths, making travel faster and more convenient.

These are the main reasons behind the government's decision

According to the government, cashless tolling will save fuel by reducing petrol and diesel consumption due to frequent stops and stops. Additionally, making all transactions digital will enhance transparency in toll collection and save time.

The government is considering cashless payments as a first step toward a multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system. In the future, physical toll booths will be removed from highways, and tolls will be automatically deducted without stopping using cameras and sensors.

Important advice for drivers:

Drivers are advised to keep their FASTag active and ensure sufficient balance before April 1. Those who do not have a FASTag should ensure they have UPI payment enabled, as arriving at a toll plaza without a digital payment method could result in inconvenience or fines.