New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a significant shift in infrastructure policy by mandating the complete removal of cash transactions at all national highway toll plazas. Effective April 1, commuters across the country will be required to settle toll fees exclusively through digital platforms. This transition is designed to eliminate the delays often associated with manual cash handling, moving instead toward a fully automated system that utilizes FASTag and UPI technologies for seamless transit.
Government officials emphasized that this move is a cornerstone of a broader national strategy to modernize highway infrastructure and improve the overall efficiency of the transport network. By removing the option for cash payments, the ministry expects to see a dramatic reduction in congestion at collection points. This change is aimed at providing a smoother experience for long-distance travellers and commercial logistics providers who frequently face bottlenecks at busy interstate junctions.
Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced waiting times, the shift to a digital-only model is expected to enhance the transparency of toll operations. The automated tracking of payments provides a more accurate and real-time data stream for highway authorities, ensuring that revenue collection is handled with greater accountability. This policy update marks the final phase of a multi-year effort to phase out manual systems in favour of a high-tech, data-driven approach to national road management.
