NationalSaturday, 12 September 2026·The Hindu - National
FASTag barrier-free toll booths by March 2027: key facts on toll revenue, savings and rollout
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said all national highway toll booths will become barrier-free by March 2027, with FASTag expected to add ₹20,000-25,000 crore annually.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On September 11, 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai that all national highway toll booths in India will become barrier-free by March 2027, with FASTag expected to generate ₹20,000-25,000 crore a year for the Government of India.
Key specifics
- FASTag collection is projected to add ₹20,000-25,000 crore per year to the Government of India.
- Toll booth income has risen from about ₹7,000 crore to over ₹82,000 crore, according to Gadkari.
- Barrier-free toll booths under pilot projects may add another 10%, or about ₹7,000-8,000 crore.
- Operational costs at toll booths have fallen to 2-3% from 12% earlier.
- Over ₹5,250 crore is said to have been saved annually in fuel costs due to reduced waiting time.
Exam lens
Question type: Economy and infrastructure current affairs, numbers and policy rollout. TNPSC may ask about FASTag, March 2027 deadline, Mumbai Global Fintech Fest, and the ₹20,000-25,000 crore annual benefit estimate.