Highway users living near toll plazas to get concessional annual local pass from Rs 1,500

People who live close to toll plazas on National Highways will soon be able to buy a concessional annual pass for daily trips through their local plaza, under a new measure announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Tuesday.

Who is eligible

The Local Pass is meant for owners of non-commercial vehicles who reside within 20 km of a National Highway fee plaza. The vehicle must carry a valid and working FASTag. Eligible users can choose between the existing monthly pass and the new annual Local Pass for a particular plaza.

The annual fee has been set at Rs 1,500 for plazas located outside municipal or local town limits, and Rs 3,000 for plazas that fall within such limits. The pass will be valid for one year and only at the specific plaza for which it is issued; it cannot be transferred or used at other toll points.

Where it will not apply

The concession will not be available on National Highways or expressways that follow a closed toll system, where users are charged according to the distance travelled between entry and exit points. According to the announcement, the provision will come into force from the first day of the next month, which means November 1.

The ministry has not yet detailed the application process, so users should wait for official instructions from the National Highways Authority of India or their FASTag issuer before making any payment.

Why it matters

Residents of towns and villages on the edges of highways often have to cross a toll plaza several times a day to reach markets, schools, hospitals or workplaces. Monthly passes have been available for local users, but an annual option at a fixed price is expected to lower costs for regular commuters and reduce disputes at plazas over local exemptions.

Drivers should keep proof of address and vehicle registration ready, as residency within the 20 km limit will be the key condition for eligibility.