New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a new framework to address unpaid toll charges as part of its push to modernise toll collection on National Highways.

The move supports the rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, which eliminates physical barriers at toll plazas and allows vehicles to pass without stopping. Toll payments are automatically processed using FASTag-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

The new guidelines address cases where vehicles cross toll points without paying, often due to insufficient FASTag balance or technical issues. Under the revised rules, users who fail to pay initially will be charged double the toll amount. However, if the payment is made within 72 hours of receiving a notice, only the original fee will apply.

Missed FASTag Toll? Pay Double—But 72-Hour Relief Window Available

The rules, effective from March 17, define an unpaid user fee as a toll that remains unpaid despite the vehicle’s passage being recorded through electronic toll systems. In such cases, an electronic notice (e-notice) will be issued to the vehicle owner, detailing the location, date, and amount due. These notices will be sent via SMS, email, mobile apps, and will also be available on an online portal. The 72-hour window will be counted from the time of issuance of the e-notice.

To strengthen enforcement, the system will be integrated with the VAHAN national vehicle registry, enabling better tracking and recovery of unpaid dues.

Under a grievance redressal mechanism, vehicle owners can also challenge an e-notice by submitting a representation through the designated portal within 72 hours. The tolling authority must resolve such cases within five days, failing which the claim will be automatically cancelled.

If a user neither pays nor contests the notice within 15 days, the outstanding amount will be recorded on the VAHAN system, and restrictions may be imposed on vehicle-related services until the dues are cleared.

Meanwhile, MoRTH has awarded contracts for implementing barrier-free tolling at 15 locations across the country, including sites in Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Notably, the Choryasi toll plaza in Gujarat is set to become India’s first barrier-less toll plaza.

Additionally, tenders are underway for similar systems at several other locations, including Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Assam, and along NH-19.

According to the ministry, FASTag-based toll collections currently average around ₹186 crore per day, with daily electronic transactions crossing 1.05 crore in the financial year 2025–26 (till December 2025), indicating the growing adoption of digital tolling systems. DeshGujarat