The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made toll payments fully digital from April 1, meaning commuters from Guwahati will no longer be able to pay toll fees in cash on national highways and expressways.
Under the new system, payments will be accepted only through FASTag or UPI, marking a complete shift to electronic toll collection across the country.
From April 1, toll payments on national highways are fully digital, with FASTag and UPI as the only accepted modes. For commuters from Guwahati, this means no cash payments at toll plazas, ensuring faster travel but requiring active digital payment setups.
What This Means for Guwahati Travellers
For people travelling from Guwahati towards:
- Jalukbari and NH corridors
- Assam-Meghalaya routes
- Inter-state highways
The change means:
- No cash lanes at toll plazas
- Mandatory FASTag usage
- UPI as an alternative for instant payments
This will directly impact daily commuters, transport operators, and long-distance travellers.
Faster Movement, Less Congestion Expected
Officials say the move will help:
- Reduce waiting time at toll plazas
- Ease traffic congestion during peak hours
- Improve fuel efficiency by reducing idle time
For Guwahati, where highway traffic often builds up near entry and exit points, smoother toll processing could improve travel flow.
Challenges for Some Users
The transition may create issues for users who are not fully prepared.
Potential challenges include:
- Vehicles without active FASTags face penalties
- Delays due to low FASTag balance
- Dependence on internet connectivity for UPI payments
At toll plazas near Guwahati, network issues could occasionally affect real-time transactions.
What Commuters Should Do
Authorities have advised travellers in Guwahati to:
- Ensure FASTag is active and linked to a bank account
- Maintain sufficient balance before travel
- Keep a working UPI app as backup
QR codes at toll booths will allow instant UPI payments if needed.
Environmental and Efficiency Benefits
The shift to digital tolling is also expected to:
- Reduce fuel wastage from idling vehicles
- Lower vehicular emissions
- Improve the overall efficiency of highway operations
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As a key gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati sees significant highway traffic daily.
The move towards fully digital toll collection could:
- Improve travel experience
- Support logistics and transport efficiency
- Align the region with national infrastructure upgrades
What Happens Next
Commuters in Guwahati are expected to adapt to the digital system in the coming days.
Authorities may monitor implementation and address operational challenges, especially in high-traffic corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still pay cash at toll plazas near Guwahati?
No, cash payments are no longer accepted. Only FASTag and UPI payments are allowed.
2. What happens if my FASTag has no balance?
You can pay instantly via UPI at the toll plaza, but delays may occur if connectivity is poor.