News Brief
Kuldeep Negi
Feb 06, 2025, 10:39 AM | Updated 10:39 AM IST
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The government is reportedly planning to launch yearly and lifetime toll passes for more seamless and trouble-free travel for regular commuters.
The 'annual toll pass' will requires a one-time payment.
Regular travellers, including middle-class individuals or private car owners, will be given two choices. They can opt for either an annual pass or a lifetime pass valid for 15 years, which can be obtained with a one-time payment of Rs 3,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively.
According to a report by the Times of India, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is in the final stages of reviewing the proposals.
The ministry is also considering a reduction in the per km toll rate to alleviate the financial burden on highway users.
The report further elaborates that to enjoy the benefits of an annual or lifetime toll pass, there is no need for additional purchases as these will be incorporated into FASTags.
At present, the only available option is a monthly pass priced at approximately Rs 340 per month, amounting to Rs 4,080 annually for regular users.
However, the Road and Transport Ministry is considering introducing an annual pass for unlimited travel across the National Highway network for the entire year, priced at Rs 3,000.
This alternative is considerably more cost-effective than the existing monthly passes and could be a more attractive choice for many, although it remains an optional offering.
Meanwhile, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that commuter would soon get relief in the road toll tax.
In an interview with NDTV India, Gadkari said that the ministry has completed the study on the topic and will roll out a scheme to address the complaints regarding toll tax.
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Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.