Bhubaneswar: From 1 April 2026, cash payments at National Highway toll plazas are likely to be discontinued, with all transactions shifting to digital modes such as FASTag and UPI. The move fits neatly into India’s broader push towards a technology-driven, high-efficiency highway network. In principle, it promises speed, transparency, and reduced congestion. In practice, it also raises critical questions about digital inclusion and ground realities.
The advantages are clear. Cashless tolling can significantly cut waiting times, reduce fuel wastage, curb revenue leakages, and enhance data-driven traffic management. FASTag has already demonstrated its potential in easing traffic flow and improving toll collection efficiency. Integrating UPI further strengthens India’s digital payments ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s vision of a seamless, modern transport infrastructure.
However, the policy also exposes a persistent digital divide. Not all highway users—particularly in rural areas, small traders, elderly drivers, and low-income transport workers—are fully integrated into the digital ecosystem. Network issues, device constraints, and limited digital literacy could turn toll booths into new friction points rather than eliminating them. Forcing a fully cashless system without adequate fallback mechanisms risks marginalising sections of road users who rely on cash for everyday transactions.
Moreover, digital systems are not immune to glitches. Technical failures, server downtimes, or cyber vulnerabilities could disrupt traffic on a massive scale if no alternative payment option exists. A resilient infrastructure must account for such contingencies.
The transition to digital-only tolling is inevitable and, in many ways, desirable. But policy design must balance efficiency with inclusivity. A phased approach, robust grievance redressal, offline contingency mechanisms, and widespread awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that the shift does not become exclusionary.
India’s highways must be fast, smart, and future-ready—but they must also remain accessible to all.
-OdishaAge
