In a significant move to ease the burden on local commuters, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a FASTag-based annual local pass. This new pass, effective from November 1, 2026, will provide non-commercial vehicle owners with a more cost-effective and convenient way to manage their toll payments. The pass is designed to address the limitations of the existing monthly pass system, which has often been seen as cumbersome and expensive for frequent users.
The new pass will be valid only for specific fee plazas and will not be applicable on National Highways or Expressways. The pass will be issued to vehicle owners residing within a 20-kilometer radius of the toll plazas. This means that for those who frequently pass through toll plazas, the annual cost of the pass will be significantly lower than the cumulative cost of monthly passes.
The annual fee for the pass ranges from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. The cost will depend on whether the toll plaza is within or outside the city limits. For vehicles within 20 km of toll plazas outside municipal or local town areas, the annual fee will be Rs 1,500. For those within municipal or local town areas, the annual fee will be Rs 3,000. The pass can be obtained through eligible Toll Plazas or the Rajmargyatra App, making it convenient for users to apply and manage their passes.
This represents a substantial saving for frequent users, making the pass a popular choice among local residents.
The introduction of this pass is expected to provide significant relief to vehicle owners who frequently pass through toll plazas. For instance, the cost of a monthly pass is Rs 1,500, which translates to an annual cost of Rs 18,000 if paid monthly. With the new annual pass, the cost is reduced to either Rs 1,500 or Rs 3,000, depending on the location. This represents a substantial saving for frequent users, making the pass a popular choice among local residents.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has identified 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways that are applicable for the Annual Pass. These plazas will be the primary locations where the pass can be used, ensuring that the benefits are targeted at those who need them most. The pass will be valid for unlimited crossings at these specific toll plazas for up to Rs 3,000 annually, making it a practical and efficient solution for local commuters.
The introduction of the annual local pass is part of a broader initiative by the government to streamline toll payments and reduce the administrative burden on vehicle owners. With over 13 crore FASTags issued across the country, the government aims to make tolling more efficient and cost-effective. The new pass is expected to facilitate the implementation of barrier-less tolling systems, which will further enhance the user experience.
The introduction of the FASTag-based annual local pass is a significant step forward in the management of toll plazas in India. By offering a more cost-effective and convenient solution for local residents, the government is addressing the needs of a large segment of the population. As the pass becomes more widely adopted, it is likely to reduce the overall administrative costs and improve the efficiency of the tolling system. For now, the new pass is set to bring relief to thousands of commuters, marking a new era in toll management in India.