Unlimited Travel on National Highways with New ₹3,000 Annual Pass

The Indian government is planning to introduce new toll passes for national highways. These passes would be annual and lifetime options. If this plan is approved, it will be a significant reform by the central government. The transport minister Nitin Gadkari is set to finalize the proposal soon.

Under the proposal, travelers can buy an annual pass for ₹3,000. This pass will allow unlimited travel across national highways for one year. There is also a lifetime pass proposed which will cost ₹30,000. This pass will be valid for 15 years.

The new passes will be integrated into the current FASTag system. This means travelers will not need to carry extra cards. Currently, toll plazas offer monthly passes for ₹340. The annual pass on the other hand, costs ₹4,080.

In the financial year 2023-24, the total toll revenue was ₹55,000 crore. Private cars contributed ₹8,000 crore of this amount. If the new toll passes are introduced, the National Highway authorities may lose some income. However, there will be no major loss in overall earnings.