No cash at national highway tolls from April 1 | Check details

Travel on national highways across India is set to undergo a major change, with the Centre planning to discontinue cash payments at toll plazas from April 1. Under the proposed system, motorists will be required to pay toll charges only through FASTag or UPI, pushing highway travel further into the digital era.

Although a formal notification is yet to be issued, preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth transition, reports said. The move aims to significantly reduce congestion at toll plazas, where long queues are often caused by cash transactions and the exchange of change.

Officials said digital toll payments will allow vehicles to pass through plazas more quickly, improving travel time and fuel efficiency. Reduced stopping and idling at toll booths is also expected to cut fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

The decision is part of the government’s broader plan to modernise toll collection and move towards a barrier-free system. The Centre is working on Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling, which enables vehicles to cross toll points at normal speeds without stopping, using advanced tracking technology.

A pilot of the no-stop toll system is currently underway at 25 toll plazas across the country. Based on its performance, the model may be expanded nationwide. Once the new rule comes into force, vehicles without digital payment options may face delays or penalties at toll gates.