The Indian government plans to introduce annual and lifetime toll passes for private car owners. These passes will allow motorists unlimited access to toll plazas on national highways and expressways.
The proposal aims to provide an annual toll pass for a one-time payment of Rs. 3,000, eliminating the need for regular FASTag recharges.
This will significantly benefit those who frequently travel on national highways and expressways. The initiative aims to make tolls more affordable and enhance the convenience of crossing toll gates.
In addition to the annual pass, a lifetime toll pass valid for 15 years is proposed at a one-time payment of Rs. 30,000.
The government hopes these passes will simplify toll collection and reduce congestion at toll booths across the country.
The new annual and lifetime passes will likely be linked to the existing FASTag system to facilitate unlimited access to national highways and expressways.
According to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, 74% of toll revenue comes from commercial vehicles, which account for only 26% of total toll transactions. As such, the government is considering introducing monthly or annual passes specifically for private vehicles.
Here’s how the toll pass will work: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposes an annual toll pass for private cars priced at Rs. 3,000 annually.
This pass will be linked to the vehicle’s existing FASTag account. It will permit unlimited access to national highways and expressways without recharging the FASTag for a year.
Once the pass’s validity expires, users can purchase a new pass or recharge their FASTag as needed. The lifetime toll pass operates similarly, costing Rs. 30,000, valid for 15 years, and linked to the user’s FASTag account.
Private car users can purchase a monthly rechargeable pass for Rs. 340, which is valid for only one toll plaza. In comparison, paying Rs. 3,000 for unlimited travel across the national highway network is significantly more economical.