FASTag Alert: Paying Via UPI On Tolls Will Save You Much More Than Cash Payment

If you often hit the highways, there is an important update you will want to know. From November 15, 2025, vehicles without a valid FASTag will have to pay 25 percent more when using UPI, while cash payments will still cost double the usual toll. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced this change to make toll collection smoother, quicker, and more digital, a move that aims to keep traffic flowing and reduce long queues at toll plazas. 

Let’s take a closer look at what this update is all about.

What’s The New Rule About?

The new rule changes how much you will pay at toll booths if your vehicle does not have a working FASTag. From the upcoming month, drivers paying through UPI or other digital methods will be charged 25 percent more than the regular toll, while cash payments will continue to cost double. Simply put, using UPI will now be a more affordable option for vehicles without a valid FASTag.

Why Has The Government Made This Change?

The government has introduced this change as part of its effort to make toll collection more efficient and less reliant on cash. By charging a smaller penalty for UPI payments, drivers without a FASTag are encouraged to switch to digital transactions instead of paying in cash. This also helps reduce congestion at toll plazas, especially during busy hours. 

Additionally, digital payments are easier to track and help ensure transparency. Overall, the move is aimed at creating a smoother and faster experience for drivers while gradually moving toward a more digital tolling system in the future.

Benefits Of The New Toll Structure

The new toll structure also offers a few benefits to drivers. Paying through UPI is faster and cheaper than cash, helping you avoid long waits at toll plazas. Digital payments also give drivers more control over costs, allowing them to steer clear of the double-charge penalty while still having an alternative if their FASTag is not working. The financial incentive encourages more people to keep their FASTags active, making toll collection smoother for everyone.

Possible Drawbacks

Connectivity issues or UPI server delays could occasionally disrupt payments, and some drivers might not be fully aware of the new rates, leading to confusion. Rural travellers or elderly drivers may face difficulties adapting to digital methods, while monitoring compliance across thousands of toll plazas nationwide will take time. 

Moreover, this amendment has been specifically designed for UPI payments; there’s no clarity on card (debit/credit) transactions. Ideally, the 25 percent cap should have applied to all digital modes of payment, including card transactions.

If you are a frequent highway traveller, now’s the time to make sure your FASTag is active, linked, and topped up. UPI gives you some breathing room if your FASTag does not work, but it still costs extra. Let us know in the comments below what you think about the new FASTag update.