New Delhi: Private vehicle owners staying close to National Highway toll plazas will soon be able to get a discounted annual pass under a new government
scheme. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the changes via a notification dated October 26, 2026.
The amendments introduce the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising the framework established in 2008. The scheme aims to reduce toll expenses for eligible residents regularly using a nearby toll plaza.
📢 Live Within 20 km of a Toll Plaza? Know the New Local Pass Rules!
The Government of India has introduced a Concessional Local Pass for eligible private vehicle owners residing within 20 km of a National Highway fee plaza, effective 1 November 2026, under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Eligible vehicle owners with valid, functional FASTags registered for non-commercial use can opt for an annual pass for the specific toll plaza at the following rates:
🛣️ ₹1,500 per annum for toll plazas outside municipal or local town limits.
🏙️ ₹3,000 per annum for toll plazas within municipal or local town limits.The pass is subject to specified conditions. It will not be available on National Highways or Expressways using a closed user fee collection system, or where a service road or alternative road is available for use.
📄 Read the official notification for complete details: https://t.co/khgErWhgtT
@PMOIndia @MORTHIndia @PIBMoRTH #NHAI #BuildingANation
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) October 27, 2026
What are the eligibility criteria? Annual toll pass fees explained
Under the new rules, private vehicle owners living within a 20-kilometre radius of a National Highway toll plaza can apply for the concessional pass if they satisfy the prescribed conditions. The facility is restricted to eligible non-commercial vehicles equipped with a valid and functional FASTag. Meeting the distance requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. The rules also state restrictions based on the toll plaza and the roads available in the area.
The pass will be issued for a particular toll plaza and will not provide unrestricted access to toll plazas across the country.
The government has set two annual fees, depending on whether the relevant toll plaza falls within or outside municipal or local town limits. Vehicle owners living near toll plazas situated outside municipal or local town limits will need to pay Rs 1,500 per year. For toll plazas located within municipal or local town limits, the annual pass will cost Rs 3,000. The revised rates will take effect on November 1, 2026.
Where will the concessional pass not be available?
The new facility comes with certain exclusions. It will not apply to National Highways and Expressways that have a closed user fee collection system. The scheme will also be unavailable at locations where a service road or an alternative route is present for motorists. In fact, residents living within the specified 20km radius may still be excluded if their location falls under one of these conditions.
Residents who frequently commute through a nearby National Highway toll plaza should verify their eligibility before opting for the annual pass. Their vehicle must qualify for non-commercial use and have a valid, working FASTag.
Motorists should also confirm whether the toll plaza falls within municipal limits and whether any of the specified exclusions apply. The applicable annual fee will depend on the plaza’s location. The scheme comes into force on November 1, 2026, giving eligible residents a more affordable way to use their designated toll plaza. However, the pass is location-specific and should not be mistaken for a nationwide toll pass.
