Cashless Toll Plazas From April 1? Govt Plans FASTag & UPI-Only Payments

Balasahana Suresh
The government is gearing up to make cashless toll payments mandatory at all national highways from April 1, aiming to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and promote wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital transactions. This move will make FASTag and UPI-based payments the standard at toll plazas across the country.

1. What’s Changing

  • From april 1, all toll plazas on national highways are expected to accept only electronic payments.
  • Cash transactions will be phased out, meaning vehicles without FASTag or UPI options may data-face difficulties at toll gates.
  • The initiative is part of the government’s Digital india push and aims to reduce human handling of cash.
2. How FASTag Works

  • FASTag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sticker linked to your bank account or wallet.
  • When you pass through a toll plaza, the fee is automatically deducted, allowing vehicles to move without stopping.
  • Benefits include:
    • Faster toll collection
    • Reduced waiting time
    • Seamless nationwide interoperability
3. UPI-Based Payments

  • For those without FASTag, UPI payment options like google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM will be accepted.
  • Users can scan QR codes at toll booths to pay instantly, ensuring cashless convenience.
  • Some toll plazas may integrate dynamic QR codes for faster scanning and reduced traffic bottlenecks.
4. Benefits of Cashless Toll Payments

  • Less congestion: vehicles won’t have to stop to pay cash.
  • Reduced corruption: digital payments are transparent and traceable.
  • Safety and hygiene: Minimizes physical cash handling and human contact.
  • Better record-keeping: wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital receipts make auditing and expense tracking easier.
5. What Vehicle Owners Should Do

  • Ensure your FASTag is active and linked to a valid account.
  • Keep a UPI-enabled app ready as a backup payment method.
  • Update vehicle and payment details to avoid penalties.
  • Note that non-compliance may attract fines as toll plazas switch fully to wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital payments.
Bottom Line

From april 1, toll plazas are expected to go completely digital, making FASTag and UPI the primary modes of payment. This move not only speeds up highway travel but also data-aligns with India’s push for a cashless economy.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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