Pune: The transition to mandatory FASTag and online-only toll collection on all highways, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, has sparked a wave of complaints from commuters. Travellers reported significant distress over the removal of cash options, technical glitches at plazas, and the imposition of heavy “double toll” penalties.Since the full implementation of the cashless system, commuters with inactive tags, insufficient balances, or those facing system errors have found themselves stranded. Those without digital payment options have reported delays and confusion, particularly in areas with poor network connectivity where digital transactions often fail.“The rule against accepting cash is now in effect, but the infrastructure isn’t ready,” said activist Vivek Velankar. “Many commuters find that cameras or handheld scanners at toll plazas fail to read their FASTags properly. Even when there is a sufficient balance, operators often claim the tag is invalid and force commuters to pay in cash at double the rate. This is absolutely unjust.”Under the current regulations, motorists failing to pay via FASTag are charged twice the standard toll amount. While UPI is available as an alternative, users are charged 1.25 times the applicable fee. However, even this backup is unreliable; IT professional Mohit Rana noted that network issues frequently disrupt UPI transactions, leaving travellers in a bind.The lack of a cash option has been particularly difficult for senior citizens and occasional travellers. “I had to pay double the amount because of a scanner error. It makes highway travel very stressful,” shared regular commuter Manisha Khade.As of April 1, 2026, all national highway toll plazas have transitioned to a fully cashless system. Payments are now strictly restricted to RFID-based FASTags or UPI for all vehicles categorized as four-wheelers and above.Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) stated that the move is designed to streamline traffic, reduce congestion, and enhance transparency. They emphasized that FASTags can be easily recharged via net banking, credit/debit cards, or various banking apps.National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials added that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways expects the digital system to significantly cut fuel consumption and vehicle emissions by reducing wait times. “Digital payments create a clear audit trail, minimizing discrepancies and ensuring better accountability,” an NHAI official stated.Despite the push for digitalisation, authorities have cautioned that network disruptions may still cause brief hold-ups. They advise commuters to ensure their FASTags are active, adequately funded, and linked to a bank account before beginning a journey. Travellers are also encouraged to keep a functional UPI app as a secondary backup.FASTags remain available for purchase at toll plazas, bank branches, online platforms, and over 40,000 point-of-sale locations. Frequent travellers can also opt for annual passes valid for 200 trips to further simplify the process.
