Muzaffarpur: A major change has been introduced at toll plazas across Muzaffarpur and nearby national highways, bringing an end to cash payments. From now on, toll tax can only be paid through digital methods such as UPI, FASTag, and popular mobile apps like PhonePe, Paytm and Google Pay. The decision has been taken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) after instructions from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The aim is to make toll collection faster, safer and more transparent.
QR codes have been installed at all toll booths under the Muzaffarpur Project Implementation Unit. Major toll plazas like Maniari and Maithi are already following the new system. Drivers who reach the toll gate with only cash are now being stopped and asked to make payments digitally. Toll staff are guiding people on how to scan the QR code and complete the transaction so that traffic can move smoothly without long waiting lines.
Under the new rules, vehicles that do not have FASTag or whose FASTag balance has expired will have to pay 25 percent more than the normal toll fee. Earlier, such vehicles had to pay double when they used cash, which caused problems for many drivers. Now, they can pay through UPI, but they are being advised to get a FASTag or recharge it as soon as possible to avoid extra charges in the future.
Officials say that more than one lakh vehicles pass through the toll plazas in the area every day, and over 90 percent of them already use FASTag. The Maithi toll plaza on the Muzaffarpur–Purnea National Highway sees the highest number of vehicles, especially trucks and buses. According to NHAI, the digital payment system will reduce delays, improve transparency, and make travel on highways smoother and more convenient for everyone.
