If you drive past a toll plaza every day, you’ll notice a new card in the market: the FASTag annual local pass. For just ₹1,500 outside town limits or ₹3,000 inside, you replace the ₹360‑per‑month pass that adds up to ₹4,320 a year.
The math is simple: the ₹1,500 pass pays off after five months, ₹3,000 after nine. That means a commuter who sticks to a single plaza can cut their toll spend by roughly two‑thirds compared to the old monthly plan.
But it’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all. You must own a non‑commercial vehicle, have a live FASTag, and live within a 20‑km radius of the plaza you plan to use. Proof of address and an active tag are mandatory when you apply.
The pass is also a one‑plaza ticket. If your route crosses more than one toll, you’ll still need separate passes. And crucially, the concession does not extend to national highways or expressways that use the closed‑user fee system – those maintain the old entry‑exit pricing.
Policy‑wise, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways rolled this out as an amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. With over 13 crore FASTags issued nationwide, the move is aimed at easing daily travel costs for commuters living close to toll points.
You can start using the new pass from November 1, 2026. Keep an eye on the Ministry’s application portal or local NHAI offices for the exact steps. If your daily route only dips through a single plaza, the local pass could be your cheapest route to smoother, cheaper commutes.