If all goes as planned, travelling through highways in India will soon become seamless and hassle-free. The Indian Government is reportedly considering launching annual and lifetime toll passes to offer regular commuters a hassle-free and cost-effective travel experience on national highways. The initiative aims to reduce congestion at toll plazas and provide an affordable alternative to the existing toll payment system.

How the proposed toll pass system worksAccording to a report by the Times of India, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is in the final stages of reviewing this proposal. Under the new system, commuters will have two choices:

Annual Toll Pass: Available for a one-time payment of INR 3,000, this pass would allow unlimited travel on national highways and expressways for a year.

Lifetime Toll Pass: Valid for 15 years, this pass would require a one-time payment of INR 30,000, eliminating the need for frequent toll payments.

According to the reports, these passes would be included into the current FASTag system, guaranteeing a smooth transition without the need for any further gadgets or expenditures.

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Current toll system vs. proposed passesCurrently, the only toll pass available to highway users is the monthly pass, which costs around INR 340 per month, or INR 4,080 annually. These passes are, however, less practical for frequent travellers, as they are limited to a single toll plaza. If this restriction is removed, the new annual and lifetime toll passes would offer them unlimited and hassle-free access to all toll roads nationwide.


Potential benefits for commutersIt is anticipated that private vehicle owners, especially middle-class commuters who often travel on national highways, will greatly benefit from the new system. Private automobiles currently provide 26% of all toll income and are a major cause of traffic jams at toll booths, particularly during rush hours. The government hopes that by simplifying the process of toll collection, it will cut down on delays, and offer regular highway users the much-needed financial relief by providing unlimited travel options.

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Government’s plan to reduce toll costsTo lessen the financial strain on highway users, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is looking into measures to lower the toll fee per kilometre in addition to implementing annual and lifetime passes. In a recent media interview, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the government has finished researching toll tax issues and is getting ready to launch a plan to allay public worries.

If implemented, these measures could transform highway travel in India, making it more efficient and cost-effective for millions of daily commuters.