From November 15, Double Toll for Vehicles Without FASTag; 1.25x Fee on UPI Payments Under New Highway Rules

The Indian government has announced a major update to toll payment regulations for vehicles traveling on national highways. Starting November 15, 2025, any vehicle passing through a toll plaza without a FASTag will have to pay double the toll fee if paying in cash. However, those opting for digital payments like UPI will be charged only 1.25 times the regular toll amount.

This move, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), aims to encourage digital transactions, enhance transparency in toll collection, and ensure smoother traffic flow at toll plazas across the country.

💰 New Toll Rules Explained

Under the revised rules, if the regular toll fee for a vehicle using FASTag is ₹100, then:

• Cash payment will cost ₹200 (double the amount).

• UPI or other digital payments will cost ₹125 (1.25 times the regular toll).

Earlier, both cash and digital payments without FASTag attracted double the fee, but the new system gives a slight concession to those using digital modes, encouraging a gradual transition from cash to digital.

This change has been implemented under the Third Amendment of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

🚗 Why the Change Matters

According to the ministry, this policy is designed to make toll collection faster, transparent, and more efficient. Encouraging digital payments helps:

• Reduce congestion at toll booths by minimizing cash handling.

• Shorten travel time for commuters.

• Improve accuracy and reduce human intervention in toll collection.

• Promote environmental benefits by cutting down idling time and fuel wastage at toll plazas, thus lowering emissions.

This policy aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative and broader efforts to modernize national highway infrastructure with seamless, tech-driven systems.

🧾 Impact on Travelers

For motorists who still rely on cash payments, this new rule means higher costs and longer wait times. Such drivers will now have two practical options:

1. Install a FASTag, which enables automatic toll deduction and is accepted at nearly all toll plazas across India.

2. Use UPI or other digital payment methods, which offer partial relief from the double fee but still cost more than FASTag transactions.

Those who continue to pay in cash will face a 100% surcharge, making FASTag or UPI far more economical choices.

📱 Promoting Digital Payments

The ministry’s decision also highlights India’s growing digital payment ecosystem. With UPI becoming a globally recognized model, integrating it into toll systems supports financial inclusion and digital adoption at the grassroots level.

Digital toll payments not only ensure transparency in revenue collection but also help prevent leakages and fraud. Moreover, with fewer cash transactions, the risk of errors and disputes between commuters and toll operators also reduces significantly.

🛣️ Nationwide Implementation

The new toll policy will come into effect across all national highways from November 15, 2025. The ministry has urged all vehicle owners to get a FASTag immediately or shift to digital payments to avoid paying extra.

The government believes this step will lead to smoother travel experiences, reduced congestion at toll plazas, and faster movement of goods and passengers nationwide.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Effective Date: November 15, 2025

• Cash Payment: 2x toll fee

• UPI/Digital Payment: 1.25x toll fee

• FASTag Payment: Regular toll fee (no extra charge)

• Objective: Promote digital payments, transparency, and smoother highway travel

With this new policy, the government is sending a clear message: digital is the future of road travel payments. Vehicle owners who haven’t yet adopted FASTag or digital payment methods are advised to make the switch soon. Doing so won’t just save money—it’ll also make every road trip faster, greener, and more efficient.