New Delhi, March 31: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will implement a complete shift to digital toll payments across national highways from April 1, eliminating cash transactions to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Under the new system, commuters will be required to pay toll charges exclusively through digital modes such as FASTag and UPI, aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow at toll plazas.
The move is expected to significantly cut waiting times, enabling faster vehicle movement and lowering fuel consumption and emissions. Authorities anticipate smoother traffic management, particularly during peak travel periods.
However, the transition may pose short-term challenges for users without active digital payment options. Vehicles lacking valid FASTag or sufficient balance may face penalties or delays.
To address such situations, toll plazas will provide UPI-based payment options via QR codes, though officials caution that network-related issues could occasionally impact transaction speed.
Travellers are advised to ensure their FASTag accounts are active and adequately funded, and to keep UPI applications ready as a backup to avoid disruptions.
The initiative marks a key milestone in India’s broader push towards digital infrastructure and smarter transportation systems.
