In a significant update to India’s toll collection system, the government has announced that starting November 15, 2025, vehicles without a FASTag will no longer be charged double toll fees. Instead, the new rule introduces a 1.25x surcharge on toll charges for non-FASTag vehicles, and the payment can be made through UPI (Unified Payments Interdata-face).

This move comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline toll collection, encourage digitization, and promote the use of FASTag for seamless highway travel. Here's everything you need to know about this new toll booth policy.

1. What’s Changing?

· New Toll Fee Structure: As of November 15, vehicles without a FASTag will no longer pay the double toll fee that was previously enforced. Instead, they will be charged 1.25 times the regular toll fee.

· UPI Payments: The payment for the toll fee can be made via UPI, offering a more convenient and digital method of payment.

FASTag vs Non-FASTag Vehicles:

· FASTag Vehicles: Will continue to pay the regular toll fee with seamless automatic deduction through the RFID-enabled tag.

· Non-FASTag Vehicles: Will be charged 1.25x of the regular toll fee and will need to pay via UPI, avoiding the previous double toll charge.

2. The Impact on Non-FASTag Vehicles

For drivers who have not yet switched to FASTag, this change could make the toll collection process both more affordable and efficient than the previous double toll system. The 1.25x fee represents a small additional cost compared to the earlier penalty, but the added convenience of UPI payments provides an easy alternative to avoid manual toll booth transactions.

Key Points:

· Lower Penalty: Instead of paying double the toll fee, non-FASTag users will pay just 25% more, making it a more reasonable penalty.

· UPI Integration: By enabling UPI payments, the system eliminates the need for cash transactions or card swipes, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

3. Why the Change?

The government’s decision to reduce the penalty for non-FASTag vehicles while still charging a surcharge aims to achieve a balance between encouraging FASTag adoption and making the toll collection process smoother. Here's why the change matters:

Key Goals:

· Promote FASTag Usage: The goal is to push more users towards FASTag to reduce congestion at toll booths, speed up traffic, and reduce manual toll collection errors.

· Encourage wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital Payments: The introduction of UPI payments is data-aligned with the government’s push for digital transactions across sectors, making toll payments easier and faster.

· Efficient Toll Collection: By integrating technology, the government aims to make toll booths smarter and improve the overall experience for highway users.

4. The Benefits of FASTag

While non-FASTag users will now data-face a smaller surcharge, FASTag remains the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel on India’s highways.

FASTag Advantages:

· Seamless Toll Payments: FASTag offers automatic toll deductions, eliminating the need to stop and make manual payments at each toll plaza.

· Reduced Wait Times: The use of FASTag lanes allows for quicker passage through toll booths, reducing traffic congestion.

· Nationwide Acceptance: FASTag is accepted at over 600 toll plazas across india, making it essential for long-distance travel.

· Discounts and Benefits: Some tolls may offer discounts to FASTag users, making it more economical in the long run.

5. How to Get FASTag?

For those who have not yet switched to FASTag, here’s how you can get one:

Where to Buy:

· Banks: You can purchase FASTag at various banks such as HDFC, ICICI, State bank of india (SBI), and others.

· Online Platforms: You can also buy a FASTag online through NHAI’s official website or apps like Paytm and Amazon.

Documents Required:

· Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

· Aadhaar Card (optional)

· Passport-data-size photograph (for some vendors)

Once acquired, FASTag can be affixed to your windshield, and it will be automatically detected as you pass through toll plazas.

6. Conclusion: A Smarter Tolling Future

The new toll fee system, effective from November 15, 2025, represents a step towards smarter toll collection. It encourages drivers to use FASTag, offering both cost savings and convenience while still providing an alternative for those who haven’t adopted the wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital solution yet.

For regular travelers and those who frequently use highways, switching to FASTag remains the most cost-effective and time-efficient option. However, the introduction of UPI payments for non-FASTag vehicles ensures that all motorists can still enjoy a more streamlined and digital toll experience.

In essence, india is driving towards smarter highways, with digital payments and automated tolling taking center stage, all while promoting efficiency and sustainability in road travel.

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