Digital only at tolls: Cash payments to be discontinued from April 1st

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has changed the rules related to toll and now only digital payment will be valid at toll plazas from April 1, which means that now highway users will not be able to pay toll in cash.

This move by NHAI will be applicable at all its toll plazas across the country. According to NHAI, starting April 1, commuters will only be able to pay at toll plazas through digital means such as FASTag and UPI.

The move aims to increase efficiency and bring transparency in toll collection on national highways and expressways. Officials believe that a fully digital system will help vehicles pass through toll plazas faster, reducing long queues and saving travel time. By eliminating cash lanes, officials hope that traffic will flow smoothly, especially during peak hours. Faster processing at toll booths is also expected to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

However, this change may cause inconvenience to some passengers, especially those who are not ready for digital payments.

Vehicles without a valid FASTag or insufficient balance may be fined or even detained at toll plazas. In such cases, travelers will have the option to make instant payments via UPI by scanning a QR code available at toll booths. However, officials warn that network issues can sometimes impact these transactions, leading to delays.

To avoid disruptions, travelers are advised to ensure their FASTag is active, properly linked to their bank account, and has sufficient balance before embarking on their journey. It's also recommended to have a working UPI app on your smartphone as a backup. This change is a significant step forward for India's digital infrastructure, making highway travel faster, smoother, and more efficient.