New toll rule from Nov 1: annual local pass for private vehicle owners living near toll plazas

A change in toll rules comes into effect on November 1, 2026. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.

Under the amended rules, owners of non-commercial vehicles living within 20 km of a toll plaza can apply for a concessional annual local toll pass. The fee depends on where the toll plaza is located. If the plaza lies outside the limits of a municipality or local urban area, the annual pass will cost Rs 1,500. For a toll plaza inside the limits of a municipality or local urban area, the annual fee is Rs 3,000. The pass is valid only for travel at the toll plaza concerned, so eligible vehicle owners will have the option of paying a fixed annual fee instead of paying toll each time.

The facility is meant only for private vehicles, and the vehicle must have a valid and active FASTag. The pass will work only at the relevant toll plaza nearby. Not every local resident will be able to benefit. If a service road or another route is available for the journey, the concessional pass will not be issued. The pass will also not be valid on national highways or expressways where toll is charged according to the distance travelled.

According to the notification, the government will revise the fixed rates for the pass on April 1 every year, so the annual fee may change in future. Eligible private vehicle owners living near a toll plaza may get relief from the rule, but they should check the vehicle's eligibility and the conditions applicable at the toll plaza concerned before applying for a pass.