The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued Notification No. 123 on October 26, 2026, setting up a concessional annual toll pass for private vehicles that live within a 20‑kilometre radius of a national highway toll plaza. Eligible non‑commercial cars with a valid, functional FASTag can opt for a pass priced at ₹1,500 for plazas outside municipal limits or ₹3,000 for those inside town limits. The pass applies only to the specific plaza and is not a nationwide pass.
The scheme excludes toll plazas on national highways or expressways that use a closed‑user‑fee system, as well as those where a service road or alternate route is available. It also does not cover toll plazas that operate under a closed user fee collection system, meaning residents in areas with alternative free routes cannot benefit.
The notification clarifies that the first passes will be issued no later than November 30, 2026, and that owners must register their FASTag before the effective date. The Ministry has set up an online portal where residents can submit their application and upload proof of residence, such as a utility bill within the 20‑km zone.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the measure would ease the burden on daily commuters who traverse toll plazas every day. He added that the government will monitor usage to ensure compliance and will adjust rates if necessary. Local residents in towns like Patna and Varanasi have already expressed relief that the new pass could cut their monthly toll expenses by up to 30%.
The Ministry will publish a detailed FAQ on its website, and a helpline will be available for queries starting December 1, 2026.