No Cash at NH Toll Plazas from April 10, Annual Pass Option Introduced

From April 10, cash payments will no longer be accepted at national highway toll plazas. Commuters must use digital payments or annual passes, with penalties for non-compliance, aiming to reduce disputes and improve traffic flow.

By Utsav Chaudhary

1.73k

Apr 04, 2026 05:47 am IST

No Cash at NH Toll Plazas from April 10; Annual Pass Option Introduced

The Ministry of Road Transport has announced that cash payments at toll plazas on national highways and expressways will end from April 10. Commuters must use digital payment methods or obtain an annual pass. This change aims to eliminate disputes at toll booths and reduce vehicle queues.

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Key Highlights

Cash payments at NH toll plazas banned from April 10
An annual pass for private cars costs ₹3,075 for 200 toll plazas
UPI payment without FASTag incurs 1.25 times normal fee

New Toll Payment Rules

The ministry has directed government entities and offices to secure “exemptions" for individuals eligible for toll exemptions. Those not exempt can purchase an annual pass for private cars at ₹3,075. This pass allows travel through up to 200 toll plazas. The new system is designed to stop the practice of flashing identity cards for fee waivers.

From April 10, cash transactions at toll booths will not be permitted. Drivers without a valid FASTag can pay the toll using UPI. However, the UPI payment will be 1.25 times the standard user fee. If drivers do not pay via UPI, authorities will follow Rule 14 of the National Highway Fee Rules. This rule allows denying entry or removing vehicles from the highway section.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a vehicle owner fails to pay the toll charge, the highway authority can issue an electronic notice for the pending amount. If the payment is not made within three days, the charge will double. These measures are intended to enforce compliance and streamline toll collection.

The ministry expects these steps to reduce altercations at toll plazas and improve traffic flow. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize highway management and encourage digital transactions.

Implementation Timeline

The new rules will take effect from April 10. All commuters are advised to prepare for the transition by obtaining FASTags, annual passes, or ensuring access to UPI payment methods. The government will monitor the rollout and address any operational issues as they arise.