The Indian government has announced that cash payments at highway toll plazas will be completely phased out starting April 10, 2024. This decision, mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), requires all toll transactions to be conducted digitally, primarily through FASTag or other electronic payment methods. The move aims to reduce congestion and delays at toll booths, which have been a persistent issue for highway users. For motorists without a valid FASTag, tolls can still be paid via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), but at a 25% higher cost. Failure to comply with digital payment methods may result in penalties, including vehicle removal and double toll charges. Additionally, the new rules eliminate informal toll exemptions that allowed certain individuals to bypass fees, now strictly linking exemptions to official vehicles only. The government also introduced an annual FASTag pass priced at ₹3,075 (approximately $37 USD), beneficial for frequent travelers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transition towards seamless, barrier-free tolling systems across India.