Maharashtra govt mandates cashless toll payments from April 1, penalty for other payment modes

Other locations affected include 23 toll plazas along the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, five under Nagpur’s Integrated Road Development Project (IRDP), four under Solapur’s IRDP, three under Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s IRDP, as well as the Katol Bypass and the Chimur-Warora-Vani route.

“The decision aligns with the policies set by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and directives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). A government resolution formalising the transition to digital payments has been issued,” said an MSRDC official.

Drivers who attempt to pay with cash, smart cards, credit/debit cards, QR codes, or any other method will face penalties. Non-compliance will result in double the toll charge, and vehicles without a valid FASTag will be fined an amount equal to the toll.

Certain vehicles will be exempt from paying tolls at Mumbai’s entry and exit points. Light motor vehicles (LMVs), state transport buses, and school buses will not be charged tolls at five locations—Dahisar, Anand Nagar (Eastern Express Highway), Mulund (LBS Road), Vashi, and Airoli.

Reportedly, due to these exemptions, toll operators are expected to face an annual revenue loss of approximately Rs 460 crore, translating to Rs 1.26 crore per day and Rs 37.8 crore per month. The government, however, has assured compensation to MSRDC, with a designated committee responsible for determining the compensation amount.