Residents living near National Highway toll plazas can travel more affordably from November 1, 2026, with the introduction of a new annual pass for private vehicle owners.

The facility is expected to benefit regular commuters who frequently cross toll booths near their homes and currently pay toll charges on individual journeys.

Under the revised rules, eligible motorists can obtain an annual pass for ₹1,500 or ₹3,000, depending on the toll plaza's location.

The move aims to reduce the recurring financial burden on people who live close to toll collection points and regularly use the same stretch of highway.

The new arrangement will allow motorists to make multiple trips through the designated toll plaza during the pass's validity period without paying the regular toll fee for every crossing.

However, the facility is subject to specific eligibility conditions and is not available at every toll plaza.

Who can apply for the annual toll pass?

The scheme is for owners of private, non-commercial vehicles who reside within a 20-km radius of the relevant toll plaza. Applicants must have a valid and functional FASTag linked to their vehicle to access the facility.

The annual fee will depend on whether the toll plaza falls within or outside municipal or local town limits.

Residents eligible for the lower rate will pay ₹1,500 for a year's validity, while those under the higher rate will pay ₹3,000.

The pass will be restricted to the toll plaza for which it has been issued. Motorists cannot use it as a general highway pass or expect it to cover crossings at other toll booths along their regular routes.

This condition matters for commuters who travel across multiple toll plazas on their daily journeys.

They will need to check whether the pass applies at each relevant location rather than assume a single annual payment covers an entire route.

Service road availability may affect eligibility

Not all residents living near a toll plaza will automatically qualify for the concession. The rules exclude locations with a service road, so motorists must check the conditions for their specific toll plaza before applying.

The restriction could significantly affect residents who live within the prescribed distance but have access to an alternative local road.

The scheme's benefits will therefore depend not only on residential distance but also on the road infrastructure and eligibility provisions applicable to the toll point. 

A valid FASTag is another key condition. Vehicle owners must ensure their tags are operational and meet the prescribed requirements before applying for the annual pass.

How much can regular commuters save?

For frequent highway users, the annual pass could reduce the cumulative cost of repeated toll crossings.

Motorists who pass through the same toll plaza several times a week may find the fixed annual payment more economical than paying the toll on every trip.

However, the actual savings will vary depending on the regular toll fee, the frequency of travel and the location of the plaza.

Occasional highway users may not benefit as much as residents who cross the same toll point regularly.

The revised facility is scheduled to come into effect on November 1, 2026. Eligible motorists should verify the application process, the relevant fee category and the conditions imposed by the authorities before purchasing the pass.

The annual option is expected to provide greater predictability in travel expenses for eligible local commuters, particularly those who rely on National Highways for everyday journeys.