Strong economy drives NH toll to record Rs 6,640 crore in October

National highway and expressway toll collections in October reached an unprecedented Rs 6,640 crore, marking a significant milestone in the country's highway network. This surge represents a 16% increase compared to October 2025's toll revenue of Rs 5,715 crore, and surpasses the previous record high of Rs 6,185 crore collected in May. Experts anticipate that cumulative toll collection for the year could reach approximately Rs 74,000 crore.

A notable shift occurred in the payment methods utilized by motorists. Cash transactions plummeted to a mere Rs 4 crore in October, down from Rs 84 crore in the same period last year. Conversely, payments made through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) surged to around Rs 100 crore, up from no UPI transactions a year ago. This dramatic decline in cash payments aligns with government directives to encourage the use of electronic payment methods such as FASTag or UPI for highway tolls.

The government's efforts to phase out cash transactions aim to eliminate opportunities for corruption and streamline the payment process. Officials emphasized the importance of continued monitoring to ensure the complete transition away from cash as the primary means of paying toll fees. Additionally, the increasing adoption of FASTag Annual Passes signifies a growing preference for convenient, contactless payment options among highway users.

As money habits are typically established by age 7, promoting digital payment literacy can help instill responsible financial practices from an early age.