Relief for highway user from November 15: Pay 1.25x via UPI if FASTag is missing or invalid

NEW DELHI: Starting November 15, if you don't have a FASTag for your vehicle, or if the tag is invalid or non-functional, you will be allowed to pay 1.25 times the regular toll using UPI. This comes as a major relief, as currently, those without a valid FASTag are required to pay double the toll charge in cash.

Sources said this change has been made through a notification issued on Friday, aimed at eliminating cash transactions at toll plazas, which often lead to revenue leakage. At present, nearly 98% of toll collection is done through FASTag. However, in some cases, people end up paying in cash either because they don’t have a FASTag, have an invalid one, or have insufficient balance in their FASTag wallet.

According to the notification, if a vehicle with a valid and functional FASTag — having sufficient balance — is unable to pay the toll due to malfunctioning of the electronic toll collection infrastructure, the user will be allowed to cross the toll plaza without making any payment. In such cases, a zero-transaction receipt must be issued.

The notification also makes it mandatory for toll collection agencies to issue receipts specifying the date and time of payment, the total amount received, and the class of vehicle for which the toll has been paid.

These moves are intended to hold toll collection agencies accountable and ensure they maintain high-quality toll collection systems.

In another initiative, the National Highways Authority of India ( NHAI ) will now install Project Information Sign Boards with QR codes along National Highway stretches. These will provide project-specific information and emergency helpline numbers to commuters. The QR code signboards will be placed near wayside amenities, rest areas, toll plazas, truck lay-byes, highway start/end points, and other signage.