Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 28: The government of India has introduced a concessional annual FASTag pass for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners residing within 20 km of national highway toll plazas, offering relief from paying toll charges on every trip through a designated plaza. The new facility will come into effect on November 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the changes on October 26 under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, framed under the National Highways Act, 1956.
According to a post by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on X, the scheme aims to ease commuting costs for local residents who regularly use national highways and frequently cross toll plazas near their homes.
Under the scheme, eligible vehicle owners with valid and functional FASTags can opt for the annual local pass instead of the existing monthly pass. The pass will be valid only at the designated toll plaza for which it is issued and cannot be transferred to another location. It should not be confused with a nationwide annual pass that allows motorists to cross toll plazas across India without paying additional charges.
How much will the annual pass cost?
The government has prescribed two annual fee categories based on the location of the toll plaza:
• Rs 1,500 per year: For eligible residents using toll plazas located outside municipal or local town limits.
• Rs 3,000 per year: For eligible residents using toll plazas located within municipal or local town limits.
The revised rates will take effect on November 1, 2026. The Central Government may revise the annual fees from time to time, with any changes taking effect from April 1.
Who is eligible for the pass?
The facility is intended for eligible owners of non-commercial vehicles residing within a 20-km radius of a national highway toll plaza. Applicants must have a valid and functional FASTag and meet the conditions prescribed under the amended rules.
Residents are advised to verify whether their local toll plaza is covered by the scheme before applying and to check the applicable annual fee.
The concessional pass will not be available on national highways or expressways operating under a closed user-fee collection system. It will also not be issued at toll plazas where a service road or an alternative route is available for local commuters.
When and where can residents get the pass?
The annual local pass will be available at eligible toll plazas from November 1, 2026. From December 1, 2026, vehicle owners will also be able to access the facility through the Rajmargyatra app.
Applicants should ensure that their FASTag is valid and functional and that their vehicle and residence meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. The facility will provide concessional access only at the designated toll plaza, subject to the applicable rules.
Government aims to ease commuting costs
With more than 13 crore FASTags already issued across the country, the government said the new option aims to make travel more economical for local residents and improve ease of commuting and 'Ease of Living' for people living near national highway fee plazas.
The scheme is expected to benefit eligible residents who regularly travel through nearby toll plazas by offering a fixed annual fee instead of requiring them to pay toll charges on every trip.