National Highways Fee Rules 2026 – Toll & Digital Enforcement

Current Context: The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 were notified by MoRTH and came into effect on 17 March 2026.

• Aim: To tighten toll‑fee compliance and shift enforcement to a digital FASTag‑enabled system.
• If toll is unpaid, the system issues digital e‑notices via SMS/email/app with a 72‑hour window for voluntary payment.
• Beyond 72 hours, the unpaid toll becomes double the applicable fee as penalty.
• Rules mandate FASTag–VAHAN integration for automatic identification of vehicles with dues.
• If dues remain unpaid for 15 days, they are recorded in VAHAN, blocking services like vehicle transfer, fitness renewal, and permit issuance.
• Overall, the amendment supports barrier‑free, seamless tolling and strengthens digital enforcement across highways.

Question:

Q.1 As per the amendment National Highways Fee Rules, 2026 mandates integration between FASTag and which system?
a) DigiLocker
b) Aadhaar
c) VAHAN database
d) GST Network

Answer: c) FASTag–VAHAN integration allows automatic identification of vehicles with unpaid dues.