Nitin Gadkari aims for fully digital, stop-free tolls by February after FASTag cuts waits 80-90%

Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest, Nitin Gadkari highlighted how FASTag has transformed toll collection, reducing typical 12-minute waits to just a few minutes and cutting overall waiting time by 80-90%. He projected that the time saved amounts to about 71 crore hours annually, translating into roughly Rs 68,500 crore in economic gains. The government now aims to achieve completely barrier-free tolling by February, expecting all banks to participate and expanding digital payment options, including a Rs 3,000 annual pass for non-commercial passenger vehicles.

Gadkari noted that the digital shift has eliminated cash-change issues and the quirky practice of giving chocolates as change. He estimated an additional Rs 20,000-25,000 crore benefit for the treasury from wider FASTag adoption. The rollout also creates a sizable market for fintech firms as tolling, vehicle registration, insurance and banking become increasingly linked. Ultimately, the goal is a seamless highway system where vehicles never stop, delivering economic efficiency and lower emissions.