India is set for a major transformation in highway travel as the government plans to phase out cash payments at national toll plazas starting April 1. Drivers will be required to pay tolls using FASTag or UPI, marking a significant step toward fully digital highways.
Although the official notification is yet to be released, authorities are already preparing to ensure a smooth transition. The move is expected to reduce long queues at toll plazas, speeding up journeys and improving overall efficiency.
The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop for cash or wait for change. This can also help save fuel by reducing repeated braking and acceleration. Moreover, digital payments offer greater transparency, providing a clear record of each transaction. Officials have emphasized that this is part of a broader plan to modernize India’s tolling system.
The government is also working toward a barrier-free model called Multi-Lane Free Flow, which would allow vehicles to pass toll points at highway speeds without stopping. Technologies from other countries are being studied to ensure effective implementation of this system.
Currently, a trial of the no-stop toll system is underway at 25 toll plazas across the country. If successful, the model could be expanded nationwide.
Vehicles without digital payment options may face delays or penalties once the new rules are enforced.
