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NHAI Weighs Ending Cash at Highway Tolls From April 1, 2026

Officials say a cashless switch would ease congestion, improve transparency, speed up tolling.

Overview

  • NHAI is considering a nationwide shift to FASTag and UPI as the only payment modes at National Highway toll plazas, with April 1, 2026 cited as the target start.
  • Authorities and reports stress the plan is under consideration and not yet formally notified, so implementation details and any exemptions remain pending.
  • MoRTH data show FASTag usage exceeds 98 percent across toll plazas, with UPI available as an alternative digital option.
  • Under current rules, cash payments by vehicles without a valid FASTag draw double the fee, while UPI transactions are typically charged at 1.25 times the prescribed toll.
  • Local NHAI officials say MysuruBengaluru NH‑275 plazas plan to go fully cashless from April 1, 2026, noting about 99 percent of transactions there are already digital.