New Delhi — In a bold move that’s part tech-push, part tough love, the Government of India has officially rolled out a rule that might just make your next highway stop a digital awakening. Under the freshly minted National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025—effective November 15, 2025—non-FASTag users paying in cash at toll plazas will now shell out double the standard fee. However, those wise enough to flash their phones and pay via UPI will face a gentler penalty—just 1.25 times the regular amount.
In simpler terms:
- ₹100 FASTag toll = ₹200 if you pay in cash (ouch).
- ₹100 FASTag toll = ₹125 if you pay via UPI (ouch, but slightly less painful).
🏗️ “Ease of Commuting” Meets “Ease of Paying”
The amendment is a part of India’s ongoing mission to transform every square inch of the National Highways into a high-speed corridor—not just for cars, but for payments too. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) hopes this move will nudge the last few cash-hugging holdouts into the digital lane.
Officials say the updated rule aims to:
- Strengthen transparency in toll collection
- Reduce congestion caused by fumbling for change
- Encourage digital transactions
- And, most importantly, prevent drivers from holding up the line while searching for that missing ₹10 coin under the seat.
💡 “Tech Se Toll Tak”
The government’s push for technology-driven tolling has already turned FASTag into a household name (and sometimes, a household argument). Now, UPI joins the toll-tagged bandwagon. For those still nostalgic about handing ₹100 notes at toll booths, this amendment is a friendly reminder: your cash may still work—but it’s about to get expensive.
The revised rules are expected to smoothen the drive, reduce waiting times, and make toll plazas less like parking lots during long weekends. With UPI now part of the official toll payment framework, the days of ‘change nahi hai bhaiya’ may finally be numbered.
So come November 15, whether you’re heading to a Diwali getaway or a work trip, remember:
Keep your FASTag active, your UPI app ready, and your cash wallet quietly in the glovebox—where it belongs.
