FASTag Ban – Starting January 2026, over 72 national highways and expressways across India will stop accepting FASTag payments, marking a surprising shift in the country’s toll collection system. This major change is expected to impact millions of daily commuters, long-distance travelers, and logistics operators who rely on digital toll collection to save time and fuel. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is being implemented on select highways due to technical issues, enforcement concerns, and infrastructure upgrades. The move is expected to bring back manual cash-based tolling in the affected regions unless alternative systems are rolled out in time. Here’s everything you need to know about the FASTag ban, the list of affected highways, alternative options, and what road users should prepare for.
Why Is FASTag Being Banned on Select Highways?
The Ministry has cited multiple reasons behind the discontinuation of FASTag on over 72 national highways. These include:
- Persistent technical failures in toll detection systems on certain stretches
- Widespread misuse of FASTag systems by defaulters and non-tagged vehicles
- Upgrading infrastructure for a new GPS-based tolling system by 2026
- Low penetration and poor digital infrastructure in rural or remote expressways
- Legal issues surrounding toll enforcement and disputes in several regions
This ban is temporary for some highways, while permanent for others until new systems are introduced.
Full List of Affected Highways
Below are some of the major highways and expressways where FASTag will be banned starting January 2026:
| Highway Name | State(s) Covered | Length (in km) | FASTag Ban Type | Major Cities Connected | Reason for Ban |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-44 (Karnal-Punjab) | Haryana, Punjab | 270 | Temporary | Karnal, Ludhiana | Tech Upgrade |
| NH-19 (Kanpur-Allahabad) | Uttar Pradesh | 195 | Permanent | Kanpur, Allahabad | Legal Disputes |
| NH-48 (Jaipur-Gurgaon) | Rajasthan, Haryana | 280 | Temporary | Jaipur, Gurgaon | GPS Tolling Preparation |
| Agra–Lucknow Expressway | Uttar Pradesh | 302 | Permanent | Agra, Lucknow | Infrastructure Failure |
| Mumbai-Pune Expressway | Maharashtra | 94 | Temporary | Mumbai, Pune | Trial Ban for Cash Tolls |
| Eastern Peripheral E-way | UP, Haryana | 135 | Permanent | Ghaziabad, Faridabad | FASTag Fraud Reports |
| NH-2 (Dhanbad-Asansol) | Jharkhand, WB | 130 | Permanent | Dhanbad, Asansol | Low FASTag Usage |
| NH-30 (Raipur-Bilaspur) | Chhattisgarh | 115 | Temporary | Raipur, Bilaspur | Toll Tech Upgrade |
*Note: This is only a sample list. A complete list of all 72+ affected highways will be available on the official NHAI website and gazette notifications.
Impact on Daily Commuters and Long-Distance Travelers
This sudden FASTag suspension is set to affect:
- Over 2 crore FASTag users across India
- Transport and logistics firms dependent on expressways
- Private car owners traveling between major cities
- Inter-state bus operators and tourists
Key Impacts:
- Long queues expected at toll plazas
- Delays in travel times and higher fuel consumption
- Risk of penalty for using FASTag-only lanes on banned stretches
- Confusion and inconvenience for drivers unaware of new rules
Alternative Toll Payment Options
As FASTag is being withdrawn from these highways, the government has outlined some alternatives:
- Manual Cash Tolling: Temporary return to cash payments at booths
- UPI/QR Code Payments: In select regions where infrastructure supports
- Mobile Toll Apps: Some stretches will accept digital wallets and apps
- Smart Card Systems: Pilot programs in high-traffic tolls
Government’s Long-Term Plan:
- Implement GPS-based tolling by mid-2026
- FASTag will remain valid on unaffected highways
- Phased upgrades of toll infrastructure for seamless tracking
Official Statement and Regional Implementation Plan
The Road Transport Ministry clarified that:
- The FASTag ban will only apply to notified stretches
- No action will be taken against drivers for using FASTags elsewhere
- Toll operators will receive separate guidelines for alternative payment management
- State governments have been instructed to issue public awareness ads and digital notices before the implementation date
States with Highest Impact:
| State | No. of Affected Highways | Major Impact Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 14 | Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra |
| Maharashtra | 9 | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur |
| Haryana | 7 | Gurgaon, Karnal, Ambala |
| Rajasthan | 6 | Jaipur, Ajmer |
| Tamil Nadu | 5 | Chennai, Vellore |
| West Bengal | 5 | Kolkata, Asansol |
| Punjab | 4 | Ludhiana, Jalandhar |
What Road Users Should Do Now
If you’re a FASTag user, prepare by following these steps:
- Check if your route falls under the list of affected highways
- Keep small change or toll cash ready for manual booths
- Avoid FASTag-only lanes where banned
- Update your navigation with toll alerts
- Use alternative expressways where FASTag is still functional
The FASTag ban on over 72 Indian highways is a massive move that will temporarily disrupt India’s seamless digital toll payment ecosystem. While the government is preparing for a larger GPS-based tolling overhaul, commuters are advised to stay updated through official NHAI announcements. Plan your trips with caution, keep multiple payment options handy, and follow new signage at toll booths starting January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will FASTag stop working completely across India from January 2026?
No, FASTag will continue to work on highways not listed in the ban. Only 72+ specific highways are affected.
2. Why is the government banning FASTag on these highways?
Due to technical issues, enforcement challenges, and plans to upgrade to GPS-based tolling.
3. Can I still use FASTag if I travel across states?
Yes, as long as your route does not include any of the highways listed under the FASTag ban.
4. What happens if I accidentally enter a FASTag lane on a banned stretch?
You may face delays or be redirected to a manual toll lane. Penalties may also apply depending on local enforcement.
5. Where can I find the official list of banned highways?
Visit the NHAI website or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal for the full and updated list.