Cash No Longer Accepted at Toll Booths from April 10: New Rules

Cash No Longer Accepted on Toll Booths from April 10

Now a major change is coming to your highway journeys in India. Specifically, the government has officially banned cash payments at all national highway toll plazas starting April 10, 2026. Indeed, this move aims to end long queues and stop disputes at toll gates. Therefore, every driver must now switch to digital modes to avoid heavy fines. In fact, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued this new gazette notification on April 2. Simple as that.

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New Toll Payment Rules: April 2026

Now you can see exactly how much you will pay based on your chosen method. Actually, using a FASTag remains the only way to pay the standard rate. In fact, here is the fee data for the new system.

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FASTag vs. UPI: The Cost Difference

Now you have two main ways to pay at the booth, but one is clearly cheaper. Actually, the government wants to discourage manual UPI payments to keep traffic moving.

The Price Gap

First, every vehicle must have a functional FASTag for a seamless trip. Next, if your tag fails, you can still pay via UPI at the gate. Thus, you will be charged 1.25 times the normal toll fee for using UPI. Furthermore, the option to pay double in cash has been completely removed. Specifically, the ministry wants to stop people from flashing IDs to skip payments. Therefore, keeping your FASTag recharged is the best way to save money. Period.

The New 72-Hour E-Notice Rule

Now there is a new safety net if both your FASTag and UPI fail. In fact, the NHAI has introduced a provision for “unpaid user fees” to prevent highway blockages.

How E-Notices Work

First, if you pass a booth without paying, an e-notice will be sent to your mobile. Next, this notice will arrive via SMS, email, or a mobile app. Thus, you can pay the standard fee online within 72 hours without any extra penalty. Additionally, if you wait longer than 72 hours, the fee doubles automatically. Moreover, after 15 days of non-payment, your vehicle will be flagged in the VAHAN system. Consequently, this could lead to “appropriate restrictions” on your vehicle registration.

Why is Cash Being Banned?

Now the shift to a 100% cashless system is about more than just technology. Actually, the government has several goals for the Indian road network.

The Main Objectives

First, the primary goal is to improve traffic flow and stop congestion at plazas. Next, digital tracking helps minimize disputes between commuters and toll staff. Thus, the journey becomes safer and faster for everyone. Furthermore, this system ensures that 100% of the toll revenue is recorded accurately. Specifically, the 3% to 5% recent hike in toll rates makes digital tracking even more vital. Therefore, the “Cashless India” mission is now reaching our national highways in full force. Period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay cash if I am willing to pay double?

Now, no. From April 10, cash will not be accepted at any national highway booth. Thus, you must use UPI or an e-notice.

Q: Where can I pay the e-notice?

Actually, you can pay through the designated online portal mentioned in your SMS. Therefore, ensure your mobile number is updated in the VAHAN database.

Q: Does my FASTag work if it has a low balance?

Actually, a low balance might lead to a “Blacklisted” status. Thus, always keep a minimum buffer of ₹200 to avoid the 1.25x UPI surcharge.

Q: What are the ‘restrictions’ if I don’t pay for 15 days?

Since your vehicle gets flagged in VAHAN, you might face issues during fitness checks or insurance renewals. Therefore, pay within 72 hours to stay safe.

The Bottom Line

Now the Cashless Toll Rule of April 2026 is a major step toward modern travel. While the transition might be tough for some, the 72-hour grace period is a fair compromise.

Overall, the 1.25x UPI surcharge is a small price to pay for those who forget their FASTag. Therefore, you should check your FASTag status before your next long drive. Thus, you can enjoy a smooth trip without any last-minute stress at the gate. Meanwhile, keep checking our blog for more highway updates and travel hacks. Lastly, we wish you a very happy and digital journey!

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