Starting November 15, 2025, toll payments on India’s National Highways will follow a new rule. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has updated the National Highways Fee Rules. The update introduces a new method for paying tolls for vehicles that do not have a FASTag.
Under this change, vehicles without a FASTag will now pay differently based on the mode of payment.
- Vehicles paying in cash will continue to pay double the normal toll fee.
- Vehicles paying through digital payments like UPI or other approved modes will now pay 1.25 times the normal toll fee.
This is a big change because earlier, both cash and digital payment users without a FASTag were charged double the normal toll.
New Toll Rule
For example, if the toll fee for a car with a FASTag is ₹100:
- A driver paying in cash will pay ₹200.
- A driver paying through UPI will pay ₹125.
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This new system makes digital payments cheaper and faster for drivers who do not have a FASTag. It also encourages people to use digital modes instead of cash.
Why the Government Made This Change?
The Ministry said the move aims to promote digital payments, reduce the use of cash, and cut waiting times at toll plazas. By making cash payments more expensive, the government wants more people to use UPI and other digital payment options. Digital payments help make toll collection transparent and efficient. They also reduce traffic congestion and allow faster movement on highways.
Officials believe this change will support India’s goal of having a technology-driven toll system. This system will be both cashless and smooth, helping drivers reach their destinations faster.
When Will It Take Effect?
The new rule is part of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025. It will come into force on November 15, 2025, across all national highways in India.
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What It Means for Drivers?
This rule is good news for drivers who do not have a FASTag but like using digital payments. Paying with UPI will now be cheaper than paying in cash. The change will also shorten long queues at toll plazas. This will make travel faster and smoother for everyone.
However, FASTag remains the cheapest and fastest option. Drivers with FASTag pay the lowest toll fees and do not need to stop at the toll booth.
Step Towards Cashless Highways
Experts say this change could be a step towards phasing out cash at toll booths completely. By giving digital payments a clear advantage, the government is showing that cash-free highways are the future.
In the long run, India could have fully automatic toll plazas. At these plazas, all payments will happen digitally, reducing both fraud and fuel wastage caused by vehicles waiting in long lines. This change is part of the government’s plan to make Indian highways more modern, fast, and technology-driven.
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