New user fee collection rule to incentivise digital payments at toll plazas for non-FASTag users

In a significant step to incentivise digital payments and eliminate cash transactions at the user fee plazas on National Highways for non-FASTag users, the Government of India has amended National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. 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. For example, if a vehicle needs to pay a user fee of INR 100 through valid FASTag, the fee will be `200 if paid in cash and INR 125 if paid via UPI. This amendment aims to strengthen fee collection process, enhance transparency in toll collection and promote ease of commuting for National Highway users. This notification will come into effect from November 15, 2025. 

The latest amendment to the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient toll collection and reducing congestion at the toll plazas. The revised rules will encourage the adoption of digital payments, enhance transparency in toll operations, and improve the overall user experience on National Highways, said an official release.

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