The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to impose a complete ban on cash transactions at national highway toll plazas from April 1. 

According to a report by NDTV, travellers will have to use FASTag or UPI to pay the tolls. The move is expected to ease congestion at toll plazas by eliminating long queues of vehicles.

It will also reduce travel time by removing the need for cash transactions and manual receipts at toll booths. It will also lead to an optimum utilisation of fuel by reducing the frequency of braking and acceleration at each toll plaza. Additionally, digital payments will improve transparency by ensuring that every transaction is recorded and traceable.

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How To Download The FASTag App?

  • Android Users: Download the My FASTag App or the Rajmargyatra App from the Google Play Store.

  • iOS (iPhone) Users: Download the My FASTag App or the Rajmargyatra App from the Apple App Store. 

Step-By-Step Installation Of FASTag Application

  • Open your device's app store and search for "My FASTag" or "Rajmargyatra".

  • Ensure the developer is Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to avoid unofficial third-party apps.

  • Click 'Download' or 'Install' to add the app to your device.

  • Open the app and log in using your registered mobile number and OTP. You can then link your IHMCL FASTag or manage your bank-specific FASTag.

Note: If your FASTag is issued by a specific bank (e.g., ICICI, HDFC, IDFC), you can manage it directly through that bank’s official mobile banking app.

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Some Common FAQs Around FASTag

  • FASTags will be activated only after vehicle details are verified with the VAHAN database from February 1. 

  • Post-activation KYV checks have been removed for private vehicles and will apply only in complaint-based cases.

  • Motorists can pay 1.25 times the toll via UPI if FASTag scanning fails, avoiding the double cash penalty.

  • Cash payments at national highway toll plazas are set to be phased out, possibly by April 1, 2026.

  • Private vehicles can opt for an annual pass costing around Rs 3,000 which is valid for 200 trips or one year.

  • One FASTag can be used for only one vehicle; misuse will lead to blacklisting.

  • FASTag balance can be checked via missed call (+91-8884333331) or through the NHAI WhatsApp chatbot.

  • Waiting time at toll plazas should not exceed 10 seconds, with free passage allowed if queues cross 100 metres.

  • Damaged FASTags must be replaced through the issuing bank, usually at a cost of about Rs 100.