By implementing digital-only toll collection at all fee plazas on National Highways throughout the nation, the Union government made a significant stride on Saturday toward increasing transparency and efficiency.

An official statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that all user fees at highway toll plazas are now being processed only through digital methods like FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with effect from April 10.

But because the Model Code of Conduct is in effect during the current election process, the Ministry stated that the rollout has been paused in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The Ministry also stated that the transition to complete digital toll collection should result in better revenue collection transparency, less traffic at toll plazas, and more efficient operations.

The way tolls are collected across the nation has undergone a major transformation thanks to FASTag, which has a penetration rate of over 98%.

The majority of toll transactions are currently conducted electronically via Radio Frequency Identification-enabled FASTag, which is attached to cars and enables smooth, contactless movement across toll plazas.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reports that UPI payment facilities have also been implemented at National Highway toll plazas, providing commuters throughout the nation with quick and convenient digital payment alternatives.

If payment is made in cash at a fee plaza, vehicles entering without a valid and working FASTag are now subject to twice the applicable user fee.

In the interim, the FASTag Annual Pass has gained over 5 million users, with over 265. 5 million transactions taking place in the six months following its debut.

For a one-time charge of Rs 3,000, the yearly pass is valid for one year or up to 200 toll crossings, negating the necessity for regular recharges.

The cost of the FASTag Annual Pass has also been changed by NHAI for the financial year 20.