October 5, 2025

Here’s a fresh twist for toll payments on India’s national highways! Starting November 15, vehicles without a working FASTag won’t have to pay the dreaded double toll fee if they pay using UPI. Instead, they will be charged just 1.25 times the usual user fee. If drivers choose to pay in cash, the fee remains double. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made this announcement on Saturday to encourage more people to use digital payments and reduce cash handling at toll plazas. This smart new change comes through an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. It clearly states: "vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid, functional FASTag will be charged only 1.25 times the applicable user fee for that category of the vehicle if they opt to pay via the UPI," said the ministry. The main goal is to "strengthen the fee collection process, enhance transparency in toll collection and promote ease of commuting for the national highway users," the ministry added. So, this move not only saves some money for those without FASTags but also speeds up toll payments and keeps the lanes flowing smoothly. In short, if you find yourself without a FASTag, just whip out your phone and pay via UPI to avoid paying double toll fees. It’s a win-win for the traveler and the system!

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Tags: Fastag, Upi payment, National highways, Toll fee, Digital payments,