From April 10, no cash at toll booths

New Delhi: In a move to eliminate the practice of commuters flashing identity cards at toll booths seeking user fee exemptions on NHs and expressways, road transport ministry has reached out to govt entities and offices to either get “Exempted FASTags” for those who fall under exemption category or buy FASTag annual pass. Annual pass for private cars costs ₹3,075 and allows crossing of 200 toll plazas.This move is expected to put an end to altercations at toll plazas. Additionally, on Thursday evening, the ministry notified that no cash transactions for toll payments will be allowed from April 10. This aims to reduce queuing of vehicles at toll gates, which is often a major irritant for commuters.As per the notification, in case a vehicle doesn’t have a valid FASTag, the driver or vehicle owner can pay the toll charge through UPI, which will be 1.25 times of the normal user fee. If they don’t opt to pay fee through UPI, such vehicle will be dealt with as per Rule 14 of NH Fee Rules, which provides for denying entry or removing the vehicle from the NH section. The highway authority can also issue e-notice for pending toll charge and failure to make the payment within three days will attract double the charge.