Highway tolls have always been a burden for regular commuters, turning each journey into a costly endeavor. However, the government is working on a solution with the introduction of annual and lifetime toll passes, offering a chance for smoother, more affordable travel.

Under this new plan, regular commuters, especially middle-class car owners, will have the option to choose between an annual toll pass for Rs 3000 or a lifetime pass for Rs 30,000, covering a 15-year period. These passes will simplify travel, eliminating the need to buy additional passes, as they will be integrated into existing FASTags.

At present, commuters can only purchase a monthly pass for Rs 340, which adds up to around Rs 4,080 per year. The upcoming annual pass option, however, will be a much more economical choice, offering unlimited travel across the national highway network for just Rs 3000 per year.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is already finalizing these plans, with the idea of also lowering toll rates per kilometer for further relief to highway users. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has supported the idea of toll passes for car owners, emphasizing the government’s aim to address growing frustrations with toll plazas, especially those in urban areas and those too close together.

In 2023-24, toll revenue amounted to Rs 55,000 crore, with private cars contributing just Rs 8,000 crore, despite making up 53% of toll transactions. While some revenue may be forgone due to the passes, officials believe this approach will ensure long-term benefits for commuters without significant financial loss.