Planning a Highway Trip? Cash Toll Payments May Not Be Accepted Soon

The FASTag Annual Pass, priced at Rs 3,000, allows private vehicle owners to enjoy seamless travel across national highways. It covers up to 200 toll crossings or is valid for one year, whichever comes first. This pass is expected to reduce average toll costs per trip, simplify transactions, and minimize wait times at toll plazas. It can be activated through the Rajmarg Yatra app or NHAI website.

The recent amendments introduce tiered toll rates based on payment methods. Cash payments will incur double the standard toll rate, while UPI payments will attract a 25% surcharge. This system aims to incentivize digital transactions, improving efficiency and reducing congestion at toll plazas. Such changes emphasize the government's focus on promoting digital payments in toll collection.

Under the new rules, unpaid toll charges can affect vehicle-related services. For instance, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for vehicle transfer will not be issued until all toll dues are cleared. Similarly, renewal of the Certificate of Fitness will be blocked. These measures aim to enforce compliance with toll payments and streamline the toll collection process.

From February 15, 2026, toll rates for partially operational expressways will align with national highway rates, instead of the higher expressway tariffs. This change aims to encourage usage of these stretches, reduce congestion on parallel national highways, and improve traffic flow. The amendment is expected to enhance overall efficiency for travelers on expressways.

The ANPR-FASTag system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology with the existing FASTag system. It uses high-speed cameras to read vehicle number plates and RFID readers to detect FASTags. This allows for automatic toll deductions without stopping at toll plazas. If a vehicle lacks a valid FASTag, it will be flagged, and penalties may apply.