Chandigarh— Starting November 15, highway travelers will face new toll payment rules that could significantly impact their wallets. According to the latest amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, vehicles without a valid FASTag — or with a malfunctioning one — will be charged double the toll fee if the driver opts to pay in cash.
However, in a major relief for digital users, the government has allowed toll payments made through UPI or other digital platforms at just 1.25 times the normal rate, making digital transactions cheaper than cash payments.
For example, if the regular toll fee for a vehicle is ₹100, a driver with a functional FASTag will pay ₹100 as usual. But if the FASTag fails and the driver pays in cash, the toll charge will rise to ₹200. If the driver pays digitally instead, only ₹125 will be charged — saving ₹75 compared to the cash option.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said the decision aims to make toll collection more transparent, reduce cash transactions, and encourage digital payments. The ministry believes this step will help shorten queues at toll plazas and ensure a faster and smoother travel experience.
Experts have welcomed the move, saying it will strengthen the Digital India initiative and make the country’s road transport system more efficient. They added that it will reduce cash-handling issues and delays at toll gates.
Motorists are advised to recharge their FASTags on time or install a valid tag before November 15 to avoid paying double toll charges under the new rules.
