Imagine cruising India’s national highways without ever reaching for your wallet at toll booths. That’s the vision the government is set to realize from April 1, 2026, when cash transactions at all NHAI toll plazas will be history. The Road Transport Ministry confirmed the proposal on Friday, targeting a 100% digital toll collection framework powered by Fastag and UPI.
This isn’t starting from scratch. Fastag has already revolutionized tolling, achieving over 98% coverage and enabling seamless, RFID-based payments. UPI integration means even those without tags can pay instantly via mobile apps. The result? Fewer backups, higher throughput, and real-time transparency in revenue.
Proponents argue the change will supercharge efficiency across 1,150+ plazas. Traffic snarls at peak hours will ease as vehicles glide through without halting for change. Double penalties for cash and 25% surcharges for UPI will phase out, replaced by standardized digital fees that benefit everyone.
Annual Fastag passes are booming, with more than 5 million holders enjoying hassle-free access for Rs 3,000 yearly or 200 crossings. Launch stats show 26.55 crore transactions in mere months, underscoring the system’s reliability.
As India accelerates its digital infrastructure agenda, this policy cements national highways as models of modern mobility. Travelers stand to gain the most: quicker trips, lower friction, and a greener, paperless future on the open road.