Overview of the Proposed Toll Policy
A new toll policy is being proposed that would allow vehicle owners to acquire a FASTag Annual Pass, granting them unlimited access to national highways and expressways for a single annual fee of Rs 3,000.
Payment Options Available
Annual Pass: By adding Rs 3,000 to their FASTag once a year, private vehicle owners can travel across all national highways and expressways without incurring toll fees.
Distance-Based Pricing: For those opting out of the annual pass, a flat fee of Rs 50 will be charged for every 100 km driven, replacing traditional toll plaza fees.
Transition to the New System
Existing FASTags will remain valid, simplifying the transition for users. Vehicle owners will not need to take any additional steps, as current FASTag users can seamlessly adopt the new policy and pay the required online fee. Previously, the government had proposed a lifetime FASTag option with a hefty initial cost of INR 30,000, but that proposal is no longer in effect.
Implementation Timeline for the FASTag Annual Pass
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is considering compensating current highway contractors and implementing stricter measures to prevent toll evasion, such as ensuring that FASTag accounts maintain a minimum balance. However, these changes are still under discussion. If the FASTag Annual Pass is implemented, it could significantly ease travel for millions of vehicle owners in India.
