Govt Amends Toll Rules: Higher Fee for Cash, Discounted UPI Charges from Nov 15
From Nov 15, 2025, non-FASTag users at tolls will pay double in cash or 1.25 times via UPI under new rules.
New Delhi, October 4, 2025 - The Government of India has introduced new rules to encourage digital transactions at toll plazas and reduce dependence on cash payments. The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025, will come into effect on November 15, 2025, bringing significant changes for highway users without FASTag.
Under the revised framework, vehicles without a valid or functional FASTag will face a steeper penalty if opting to pay toll charges in cash. Such motorists will be required to pay twice the applicable user fee. However, in a bid to promote cashless alternatives, the amendment provides a more lenient option: those who choose to pay through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be charged only 1.25 times the standard fee for their vehicle category.
For instance, if the regular toll fee for a vehicle using FASTag is ₹100, the amount will rise to ₹200 for cash payments, but only ₹125 when paid digitally through UPI.
Officials noted that the move is intended to enhance efficiency at toll plazas, strengthen transparency in fee collection, and improve travel convenience for highway users. By incentivizing UPI, the government also seeks to reduce congestion caused by cash transactions and streamline the tolling process nationwide.
The amendment reflects a broader push to leverage digital technology in road transport management. With more than 97 percent of toll payments already being processed through FASTag, the latest measure is expected to further limit cash usage and ensure smoother passage on National Highways.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways emphasized that these changes align with India's vision of a digitally driven transport ecosystem, balancing revenue collection with the ease of commuting for citizens.
The notification, published on October 4, 2025, confirms that the new rules will be implemented across all National Highway toll plazas from November 15, 2025.
