Starting November 15, vehicle owners without a FASTag, or with an invalid or non-functional FASTag, can pay tolls using UPI at 1.25 times the standard rate. This is a relief compared to the current system, where those without a valid FASTag must pay double the toll in cash. The change comes from a notification issued on Friday, aimed at reducing cash transactions at toll plazas and curbing revenue leakage. Currently, about 98% of toll payments are processed via FASTag, but cash payments still occur when tags are missing, invalid, or have insufficient balance.
No Penalty for Malfunctioning FASTag or Toll Systems
The notification clarifies that vehicles with a valid FASTag and sufficient balance won’t be penalized if they cannot pay due to malfunctioning electronic toll collection systems. In such cases, users can pass the toll plaza without paying, provided a zero-transaction receipt is issued.
Mandatory Receipts and Accountability for Toll Agencies
Toll collection agencies are now required to issue receipts that include the date and time of payment, total amount collected, and vehicle class. These measures are designed to hold agencies accountable and ensure better quality in toll collection systems.
New QR Code Signboards on National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will install Project Information Sign Boards with QR codes along highway stretches. These boards will provide project details, emergency helpline numbers, and other useful information. They will be placed at wayside amenities, rest areas, toll plazas, truck lay-byes, highway start/end points, and other key signage locations, making travel safer and more informative for commuters.
