
24/05/2025
The Indian government is finalizing a new toll policy that proposes a one-time annual payment of ₹3,000 for private car owners, allowing unlimited travel on national highways and expressways for a year.
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🚗 Key Features of the Proposed Toll Policy
• Annual Toll Pass: Pay ₹3,000 once a year for unlimited access to national highways and expressways. 
• Lifetime Toll Pass: A 15-year pass available for a one-time payment of ₹30,000. 
• Integration with FASTag: These passes will be embedded into the existing FASTag system, eliminating the need for additional devices or documentation. 
• Optional Participation: The passes are optional; users can choose between the annual/lifetime pass or continue with the current pay-per-use model. 
• Alternative Payment Model: For occasional travelers, a distance-based model is proposed, charging ₹50 per 100 kilometers. 
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📊 Rationale Behind the Policy
• Revenue Distribution: Private cars account for 53% of toll transactions but contribute only 21% of toll revenue. 
• Traffic Congestion: Private vehicles constitute nearly 60% of traffic at toll plazas during peak hours, leading to congestion. 
• Simplified Toll Collection: The new policy aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and provide financial relief to frequent travelers. 
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🛣️ Additional Developments
• Toll-Free Two-Lane Highways: The government is considering making national highways with less than four lanes toll-free. 
• Advanced Tolling Systems: Plans are underway to implement an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system combined with FASTag for barrier-less tolling at selected plazas. 
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📅 Implementation Timeline
While the policy is in advanced stages of planning, it has not been officially implemented yet. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is expected to announce the finalized policy soon. Once approved, the passes will be available through the existing FASTag system. 
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This proposed policy aims to enhance the convenience of highway travel for private car owners by offering cost-effective and streamlined toll payment options.