Good news for non-FASTag users as Modi govt announces BIG relief, toll payments with UPI reduced to.., new FASTag rules to be implemented from…

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said the new FASTag rules are aimed at incentivizing digital payments and eliminate cash transactions at the toll plazas on National Highways for Non-FASTag users. 

FASTag rules: In a major update for non-FASTag users, the central government has announced new FASTag rules under which vehicles without a valid, functional FASTag will have to pay twice the toll amount, however, users who pay the toll with UPI, will be charged only 1.25 times of the toll fee.

What are the new FASTag rules?

According to an official release by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the new rules are aimed at incentivizing digital payments and eliminate cash transactions at the toll plazas on National Highways for Non-FASTag users.

“Under the new rule, vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid, functional FASTag will be charged twice the applicable user fee, if the fee payment is made in cash. Such users who opt to pay the fee via the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), will be charged only 1.25 times the applicable user fee for that category of the vehicle,” the Ministry said.

How much will non-FASTag users pay?

As per the new rules, if a vehicle with a valid FASTag needs to pay Rs 100 in toll fee, a non-FASTag vehicle will be charged the double the amount, if the payment is made in cash, while those opting to pay via UPI, will have to pay only Rs 125.

This amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, aims to strengthen fee collection process, enhance transparency in toll collection and promote ease of commuting for the National Highway users, the release said, adding the new rules will come into effect from November 15, 2025.

Earlier this year, the Transport ministry had launched the ‘FASTag Annual Pass’ to enable hassle-free travel for commuters on national highways and NHAI expressways across the country by eliminating the need to repeatedly pay toll at toll booths. The pass was launched on August 15, 2024, on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day.