Govt allows vehicles without FASTag to pay 1.25 times toll via UPI from November 15

The move aims to make toll payments more flexible and user-friendly, especially for those facing technical glitches or delays in FASTag activation.

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In a major relief for motorists, the government has announced that starting November 15, vehicles without a valid or functional FASTag will be allowed to pay 1.25 times the regular toll through UPI, as per The Times of India report.The move aims to make toll payments more flexible and user-friendly, especially for those facing technical glitches or delays in FASTag activation. Currently, about 98 per cent of toll collection across the country is done through FASTag, reflecting widespread adoption of digital tolling .Under the new provision, if a vehicle’s FASTag is invalid, inactive, or malfunctioning, the driver can simply use UPI-based digital payment to clear the dues at 1.25 times the standard toll rate. This ensures continued revenue collection while discouraging deliberate non-compliance.Additionally, the government has directed that in cases where a vehicle has a valid and functional FASTag, but the toll plaza’s electronic collection system fails, the motorist will be allowed to cross the plaza without any payment.

Officials said the move is designed to hold toll operators accountable for maintaining high-quality and reliable digital collection systems. It also reinforces the Centre’s focus on seamless, transparent, and tech-enabled tolling under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).