Cash Payment Policy in India

• Cash payment is still permitted at many toll plazas across India.
  
• As per government guidelines, one hybrid lane at each toll plaza must accept cash.
  
• These lanes are maintained to accommodate vehicles without FASTag.
  
• Cash payment remains a backup option for users facing FASTag issues.
  
• However, digital payments are strongly encouraged nationwide.
  

FASTag Mandate and Compliance

• From February 15, 2021, FASTag has been made mandatory for all vehicles.
  
• Vehicles without FASTag must pay double the toll amount at FASTag-only lanes.
  
• This mandate applies to all national highway toll plazas.
  
• Cash-paying vehicles are only allowed in designated hybrid lanes.
  
• The policy aims to reduce congestion and improve transparency.
  

Exceptions and Remote Areas

• In some remote or low-traffic areas, cash tolling remains the primary method.
  
• Smaller state highway toll plazas may still operate fully on cash.
  
• Certain old concession agreements allow cash-based tolling until upgrades.
  
• Transition to electronic tolling in these regions is in progress.
  
• Users should check in advance when traveling through such regions.
  

Infrastructure and Operational Limits

• Not all toll plazas are equipped with sufficient digital payment systems.
  
• Power failures or technical glitches may force temporary cash acceptance.
  
• Toll booths maintain manual receipt books for emergency cash handling.
  
• Operators are trained to manage both electronic and cash transactions.
  
• Audits are conducted to ensure proper accounting of cash collections.
  

User Advisory and Best Practices

• Vehicle owners are advised to install FASTag for ease of travel.
  
• Keeping change for emergency cash payment is still a practical step.
  
• Drivers should look for signage that marks cash-accepting lanes.
  
• In case of payment disputes, a receipt must be collected immediately.
  
• Authorities recommend minimizing cash use for faster toll clearance.