April 1, 2025: 10 Major Changes Impacting Your Finances and Daily Life

As the new fiscal year begins on April 1, 2025, several financial, tax, and policy-related changes will take effect, impacting household budgets, taxation, banking, digital payments, and transportation costs. Some of the most crucial changes include revised highway tolls, LPG price adjustments, new income tax slabs, changes in UPI payments, and the launch of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

With these transformations set to influence various aspects of daily life, here’s a comprehensive look at the top 10 changes that will take effect from April 1, 2025.

1. NHAI Toll Revision: Higher Travel Costs on Major Highways

Travelers across India will face higher highway tolls, as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to revise toll rates on key routes. Reports indicate that the minimum hike will be ₹5, while the maximum increase could go up to ₹10.

Key routes expected to see toll increases:

• Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow-Kanpur, Varanasi-Gorakhpur, Lucknow-Ayodhya

• Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal

This increase in toll rates will also lead to higher public transport fares, affecting commuters and logistics costs.

🔹 Impact: Higher travel expenses for daily commuters and long-distance travelers.

2. LPG Cylinder Prices Revised: Expected Relief in Household Budgets

Oil marketing companies (OMCs) revise LPG cylinder prices every month, affecting both domestic and commercial users. As of March 1, 2025, the 19kg commercial LPG cylinder was priced at ₹1,803, after multiple adjustments in previous months.

However, reports suggest that domestic 14kg LPG cylinder prices might be reduced in April, providing relief to households struggling with inflation.

🔹 Impact: Potential savings for households using LPG for cooking.

3. ATF, CNG, and PNG Price Adjustments

• CNG and PNG price revision: Any reduction in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and PNG (Piped Natural Gas) rates could lower travel costs for auto-rickshaws, taxis, and CNG-powered vehicles.

• ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) rates: If ATF prices increase, air ticket prices may rise, making domestic and international flights more expensive.

🔹 Impact: CNG users may benefit from reduced fuel costs, but air travelers could face price hikes.

4. New Income Tax Slabs Come into Effect

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025 introduced new income tax slabs, benefiting salaried individuals who opt for the new tax regime.

Key highlights:

• Individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will pay zero tax under the new tax regime due to a ₹75,000 standard deduction.

• The old tax regime remains unchanged, allowing taxpayers to choose between the two.

🔹 Impact: Potential tax savings for middle-income earners who opt for the new tax regime.

5. UPI Payment Rules Change: Inactive Accounts to Be Deactivated

Starting April 1, 2025, inactive UPI-linked mobile numbers will be automatically removed from bank records. This means:

• Users who have not used their UPI accounts for a long time will have to re-register their numbers to continue transactions.

• This step is aimed at enhancing digital security and preventing fraud.

🔹 Impact: Users with inactive UPI-linked numbers may face payment disruptions unless they update their bank details.

6. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Portal Launch

The government is launching the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) portal to streamline pension applications for central government employees.

• Expected 23 lakh government employees to benefit.

• Minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month for those who have completed at least 10 years of service.

🔹 Impact: Improved access to pension benefits for government employees.

7. RuPay Debit Card Upgrades: New Perks and Benefits

From April 1, 2025, customers using RuPay Debit Select Cards will get new premium features, including:

• Complimentary gym memberships

• Airport lounge access (domestic & international)

• OTT subscriptions, spa sessions, and personal accident insurance

🔹 Impact: Added lifestyle and financial benefits for RuPay cardholders.

8. Credit Card Reward Changes: Air India-Vistara Merger Effects

Credit card users will see changes in reward structures, especially for travel credit cards:

• Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card & SBI SimplyCLICK Card: Revised benefits and redemption rates.

• Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card: Benefit revisions due to the Air India-Vistara merger.

🔹 Impact: Changes in travel perks, affecting frequent flyers and reward program users.

9. Bank Account Minimum Balance Requirements Tighten

Banks, including State Bank of India (SBI) and private banks, will enforce new minimum balance rules.

• Customers failing to maintain the required minimum balance will face penalties.

🔹 Impact: Account holders must check their bank’s new requirements to avoid charges.

10. DigiLocker & GST Portal Security Enhancements

Two key digital reforms:

1. DigiLocker Integration for Investors: Investors can store their Consolidated Account Statements (CAS) and demat account details in DigiLocker, making financial management easier.

2. GST Portal Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Taxpayers will need additional security layers (OTP verification, biometric authentication) to log into the GST portal, improving data protection and fraud prevention.

🔹 Impact: Increased security and digital convenience for investors and businesses.

Highlights from April 1, 2025 Rule Changes

With these 10 crucial changes taking effect from April 1, 2025, individuals and businesses must adjust their financial strategies, check bank statements, and prepare for revised tax norms. Whether it’s higher travel costs, digital security upgrades, or tax relief, staying informed will help navigate the new financial landscape effectively.