The Indian government is considering a new proposal that could potentially change the way private vehicle owners pay tolls on national highways and expressways. Under the proposed scheme, the government plans to introduce annual and lifetime toll passes for those who make frequent trips on these highways. This move is aimed at improving the efficiency of toll collection and reducing long wait times at toll gates.
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Proposed Toll Passes and Their Costs
According to reports the government’s proposal suggests that the annual toll pass would cost around Rs 3,000, providing unlimited access to national highways and expressways for an entire year. In addition to the annual pass, the government is also considering the introduction of a lifetime toll pass, priced at approximately Rs 30,000. This lifetime pass would allow for unlimited use of national highways and expressways for a duration of 15 years.
Both passes would be integrated with the existing FASTag system, which has been implemented across the country to streamline toll payments. The integration of these new passes with FASTag would allow users to pass through toll gates with minimal delays, providing a smoother and quicker experience for frequent travelers.
Government’s Vision for Smoother Highway Travel
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has expressed that the government is actively considering the introduction of both monthly and yearly passes for the convenience of frequent travelers. According to Gadkari, a significant portion of toll revenue—approximately 74%—is collected from commercial vehicles. Therefore, the proposal to introduce passes for private vehicle owners aims to enhance toll infrastructure and allow for more efficient passage at toll booths.
The introduction of annual and lifetime passes is also seen as a way to reduce congestion at toll gates. Despite the widespread use of the FASTag system, toll booths continue to face issues with slow processing times, leading to long lines and delays. The government believes that by offering these passes, which would allow quicker and more efficient processing for frequent users, traffic bottlenecks at toll booths can be significantly reduced.
How the New Toll Passes Will Work
The proposed lifetime toll pass, priced at Rs 30,000, would be valid for a period of 15 years and would be linked to the user’s FASTag account. This would allow users to pass through toll gates without having to pay for each individual toll, significantly easing the process for long-term travelers.
The annual toll pass, priced at Rs 3,000, would provide unlimited access to highways and expressways for one year. Like the lifetime pass, it would also be linked to the FASTag account, enabling users to pass through tolls without delays. Both types of passes would be available exclusively for private vehicle owners, offering a convenient alternative for those who frequently travel on national highways and expressways.
Dedicated Lanes for Toll Pass Holders
To further enhance the effectiveness of the proposed toll passes, there is also speculation that toll booths could be equipped with dedicated lanes for those using annual or lifetime passes. This would allow toll pass holders to move through the toll gates quickly and without hassle, further alleviating congestion and reducing waiting times for all travelers.
The government’s proposed toll pass system is part of a broader effort to modernize India’s road infrastructure and improve the overall experience for drivers. By integrating the new toll passes with the FASTag system and ensuring dedicated lanes for pass holders, the government hopes to create a smoother, faster, and more efficient toll experience across the country.
