The government has introduced a concessional annual FASTag Local Pass for eligible private vehicle owners living within 20 km of a National Highway toll plaza, offering significant savings for people who regularly cross the same toll gate. The new pass will come into effect on November 1, 2026, with annual fees of ₹1,500 for toll plazas outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 for those within these limits.
The initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is intended to reduce toll expenses for local commuters travelling for work, education and everyday needs. However, eligibility depends on the vehicle, the registered residential address and the type of toll plaza. The pass will also be restricted to one designated toll plaza.
Key Highlights
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The FASTag Local Pass takes effect on November 1, 2026.
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Annual fees are ₹1,500 outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 within those limits.
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Eligible vehicle owners must reside within 20 km of the selected toll plaza.
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The scheme covers eligible non-commercial vehicles with a valid, functional FASTag.
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The pass permits unlimited crossings at the designated plaza during its validity.
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The pass will be available at eligible toll plazas from November 1 and through the Rajmargyatra app from December 1, 2026.
FASTag Local Pass: Price and Validity
The new concessional pass introduces two annual price categories based on the location of the toll plaza.
| Toll plaza location | Annual Local Pass fee |
|---|---|
| Outside municipal or local town limits | ₹1,500 |
| Within municipal or local town limits | ₹3,000 |
The annual fee is intended for residents who repeatedly travel through a particular toll plaza. Once issued, the pass allows unlimited crossings at that designated location during its validity period, subject to the scheme’s conditions. It cannot be transferred to another toll plaza.
The new pricing could make a substantial difference to households that depend on a tolled National Highway for their daily commute. Under the existing monthly local-pass arrangement, a fee of ₹360 per month amounts to ₹4,320 over 12 months. Compared with that amount, the new annual pass offers potential savings of ₹2,820 at eligible plazas outside municipal limits and ₹1,320 at plazas within those limits.
Who Is Eligible for the FASTag Local Pass?
The concession is designed for people who live close to a National Highway toll plaza and regularly use it. Simply owning a vehicle or living within the specified distance does not guarantee access to the scheme.
To qualify, applicants must meet these conditions:
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Residential distance: The vehicle owner’s residence must be within 20 km of the selected toll plaza.
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Vehicle category: The vehicle must be registered for non-commercial use.
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FASTag requirement: The vehicle must have a valid and functional FASTag.
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Single-plaza restriction: The pass applies only to the toll plaza for which it is issued.
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Eligible toll location: The plaza must meet the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
The scheme excludes National Highways and expressways that use a closed user-fee collection system. It also excludes toll plazas where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters. Therefore, residents should confirm that their preferred plaza qualifies before paying for the pass.
How to Apply for the FASTag Local Pass
The government has outlined a phased rollout for the annual local pass.
The annual pass will initially be available at eligible toll plazas. Contact the relevant plaza to confirm the application process and required verification.
From December 1, 2026: Apply through Rajmargyatra
The annual local pass is scheduled to become available through the Rajmargyatra app, providing an additional digital application option.
Before applying, keep your vehicle registration details and functional FASTag ready. Ensure your registered residential address can be verified, and check the eligibility of the selected toll plaza. The government has not specified every application step in its announcement, so applicants should follow the instructions provided by the toll plaza or the official app when the service becomes available.
FASTag Local Pass vs Standard Annual FASTag Pass
The new local pass is different from the existing FASTag Annual Pass, which is designed for wider highway travel.
| Feature | Annual Local Pass | Standard FASTag Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Intended users | Eligible residents within 20 km of a toll plaza | Eligible non-commercial car, jeep and van owners |
| Fee | ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 per year | ₹3,075 for 2026-27 |
| Coverage | One designated toll plaza | Eligible National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas |
| Travel allowance | Unlimited crossings at the designated plaza during validity | Up to 200 fee plaza crossings or one year, whichever comes first |
| Availability | November 1 at eligible plazas, app from December 1, 2026 | Existing scheme |
The standard annual pass is more suitable for motorists who travel across different highways. The concessional local pass is aimed at people who repeatedly cross one particular toll plaza and meet the residential eligibility requirements.
Pros and Cons of the New FASTag Local Pass
Pros
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Lower annual toll expense: Eligible residents can save up to ₹2,820 compared with 12 monthly payments of ₹360 at plazas outside municipal limits.
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Unlimited local crossings: Frequent commuters can use the designated plaza without paying the regular toll for each eligible crossing.
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More convenient access: The planned app-based option should reduce the need for repeated visits to the toll plaza.
Cons
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Limited coverage: The pass cannot be used at other toll plazas.
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Eligibility restrictions: Some nearby plazas will not qualify, particularly where alternative roads are available or closed toll collection applies.
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Annual fee revisions: The government may revise the charges, with any changes taking effect from April 1.
What the New Rule Means for Indian Car Owners
The new FASTag Local Pass could be particularly useful for households living in towns and residential areas divided by National Highways. Commuters who cross the same toll plaza several times a week may benefit more than motorists who use highways only occasionally.
For example, a resident who pays ₹360 every month for an eligible local pass spends ₹4,320 annually. The new ₹1,500 option would reduce that expense substantially, provided the relevant toll plaza qualifies. At a plaza within municipal or local town limits, the ₹3,000 annual fee would still be lower than the same 12 monthly payments.
However, the financial benefit depends on the applicable fee, existing pass arrangements and the number of toll crossings. Motorists should compare the local pass with their current arrangement before purchasing it.
FAQs About the FASTag Local Pass
1. What is the FASTag Local Pass for residents within 20 km?
It is a concessional annual pass for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners living within 20 km of a National Highway toll plaza. It permits unlimited crossings at the designated plaza during its validity.
2. What is the price of the FASTag Local Pass in 2026?
The annual fee is ₹1,500 for toll plazas outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 for plazas within those limits.
3. When will the new FASTag Local Pass be available?
The pass is scheduled to become available at eligible toll plazas from November 1, 2026. The Rajmargyatra app facility is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.
4. Can I use the Local Pass at multiple toll plazas?
No. The pass is valid only for the specific toll plaza for which it is issued and cannot be transferred to another plaza.
5. Can commercial vehicles apply for the FASTag Local Pass?
No. The concession is intended for eligible non-commercial vehicles with a valid and functional FASTag.
6. Is everyone living within 20 km of a toll plaza eligible?
No. The residence requirement is only one condition. The vehicle must meet the non-commercial and FASTag requirements, and the toll plaza must qualify under the scheme.
7. Can I use the Local Pass on an expressway?
Not where toll collection operates under a closed user-fee collection system. The scheme also excludes eligible routes where a service road or alternative road is available to commuters.
8. Is the Local Pass better than the standard FASTag Annual Pass?
It depends on your travel pattern. The local pass is suited to frequent crossings at one eligible plaza, while the standard annual pass is more appropriate for wider National Highway and National Expressway travel.
Conclusion
The new FASTag Local Pass offers a practical way to reduce toll expenses for eligible residents who regularly cross the same National Highway toll plaza. At ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 annually, depending on the plaza’s location, it could cost less than maintaining a monthly local pass throughout the year.
Car owners should first verify their residential eligibility, confirm that their preferred plaza is covered and compare the annual fee with their existing toll expenses. For daily commuters who repeatedly use one eligible plaza, the new scheme could deliver meaningful savings from November 2026.
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