New Delhi, Oct 28: Frequent commuters living near National Highway toll plazas may soon get relief from recurring toll expenses, with the Centre set to introduce a special annual pass for eligible private vehicle owners from November 1, 2026.
Representational Image
Under the new scheme, residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of an eligible toll plaza can obtain an annual pass for either ₹1,500 or ₹3,000, depending on the location of the toll plaza.
The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to make regular travel more affordable for people who frequently use toll roads near their homes.
Annual Pass Fees: ₹1,500 or ₹3,000
The annual fee will depend on whether the toll plaza falls within or outside municipal or local town limits.
₹1,500 per year: For eligible toll plazas located outside municipal or local town limits.
₹3,000 per year: For eligible toll plazas situated within municipal or local town limits.
The scheme is intended to benefit residents who regularly cross a particular toll plaza for work, education, business or other daily activities.
Who Is Eligible for the New Toll Pass?
The facility will be available to eligible owners of private, non-commercial vehicles residing within 20 km of a designated toll plaza.
To qualify, motorists must meet the applicable eligibility conditions and have a valid, functioning FASTag fitted to their vehicle.
Eligible users can choose between the existing monthly pass and the new annual pass for the designated toll plaza. However, the annual pass will be restricted to that particular location and cannot be used at other toll plazas.
The scheme will not cover National Highways and expressways operating under a closed user-fee collection system. It will also exclude locations where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters, according to the supplied report.
When Can Motorists Apply?
The annual pass facility is scheduled to become available at eligible toll plazas from November 1, 2026.
Motorists will also be able to access the facility through the Rajmargyatra mobile application from December 1, 2026, as stated in the report.
The government has introduced the provision through the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, under the National Highways Act, 1956.
The annual fee may be revised by the government each year, with any revised rates taking effect from April 1 of the relevant year.
How Will the New Pass Benefit Commuters?
The annual pass could provide significant convenience to residents who regularly travel through the same toll plaza. Instead of paying toll charges on individual journeys, eligible motorists will have an annual payment option for the designated location.
The facility may be particularly useful for daily commuters, local business owners and residents whose routine journeys involve repeated toll crossings.
However, living near a toll plaza does not automatically guarantee eligibility. The vehicle category, distance from the plaza and other conditions applicable to the location will determine whether a motorist can obtain the pass.
What Should Vehicle Owners Keep in Mind?
Before applying, motorists should check whether their nearby toll plaza is covered under the scheme, confirm the applicable annual fee and ensure that their FASTag is active.
They should also verify the latest eligibility requirements and application procedure through official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways channels or the Rajmargyatra application when the facility becomes available.
The new provision is expected to offer an additional toll-payment option for eligible residents, potentially reducing the financial burden of frequent travel on National Highways.
