Annual toll pass of Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 for residents within 20 km of a plaza from November 1

The Centre has taken a decision that offers relief to people living near toll plazas and to private vehicle owners. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made an important change to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. The change will lift the burden of paying toll every day from local residents.

Under the new rule, eligible private vehicle owners living within 20 km of a toll plaza will be able to get an annual local pass at a heavily concessional rate. The rule will come into force across the country on November 1, 2026.

The Centre has fixed an annual fee for the pass, but certain conditions must be met to benefit from it.

Owners of non-commercial, that is private, vehicles can apply for the pass. The fee will depend on where the toll plaza is located. If the plaza lies outside the limits of a municipality or local urban area, local residents will pay Rs 1,500 for the annual pass. If the plaza lies within the limits of a municipality or local urban area, the annual pass fee for residents has been fixed at Rs 3,000.

The pass will be valid only for travel through the toll plaza for which it is issued. Vehicle owners who travel daily will, instead of paying toll each time, be able to pay a fixed amount once a year.

The facility will not be available directly to every vehicle owner, and certain conditions apply. First, it is only for vehicles in private use. Second, the vehicle must have a valid and functioning FASTag. Third, if a service road or any other alternative route is available for the journey, residents there will not be issued the concessional pass. Fourth, the pass will not be valid on national highways or expressways where toll is charged according to the distance travelled.

According to the government notification, the Centre may revise the fixed rates of the annual pass on April 1 every year. The fee may therefore change in future as needed.

Eligible private vehicle owners living around toll plazas will get financial relief from the rule. Even so, they should check their vehicle's eligibility and the conditions applicable at their toll plaza before applying for the pass.