The central government has announced the introduction of a new annual travel pass. This pass is intended for residents living within a 20-kilometer radius of toll collection points on national highways. It will become effective on November 1st. Residents meeting the criteria can purchase this annual pass for 1500 rupees.
The cost of this pass may range from 1500 to 3000 rupees, depending on the distance from the residence to the specific toll point. The Ministry of Transport and Highways published a notification about these changes.
These adjustments have been made in accordance with the Rules for Determining and Collecting Tolls on National Highways (fifth amendment) of 2026, which update the existing rules introduced in 2008. The goal of this program is to provide preferential fares for travel for people living near toll collection points on national highways.
The Minister of Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared this information on the social network X. He wrote that it is a 'big step towards simplifying life!' and announced that from November 1, 2026, owners of eligible non-commercial vehicles residing within 20 kilometers of a national highway toll point will be able to use a 'preferential local pass.'
According to the established rules, only private vehicle owners residing within a 20-kilometer radius of a national highway toll point are entitled to this pass. This service is provided upon having a valid and functional FASTag, as well as the vehicle owner complying with all established rules.
It is important to note that this pass is valid only for a specific toll point and cannot be used on any other paid road. The government announced two types of passes: for a pass located outside municipal or local settlements, the cost is 1500 rupees. For an annual pass located within the boundaries of a municipality or local settlement, the cost will be 3000 rupees. These changes will take effect on November 1, 2026.
However, this preferential service will not be available on national highways or expressways operating under a closed user toll collection system. Furthermore, the service does not apply to toll points that have service roads or other alternative routes. This means that not every person living within a 20-kilometer radius will be able to obtain this pass. The central government reserves the right to review these tariffs on April 1.