The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a concessional FASTag Local Pass for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners who live close to National Highway toll plazas. The new facility will come into effect on November 1, 2026, and is intended to reduce toll expenses for residents who regularly cross a particular toll plaza for work, education and other daily activities.
Under the new provision, eligible vehicle owners living within 20 kilometres of a designated toll plaza can apply for an annual local pass. The fee will depend on the location of the toll plaza. Residents using a toll plaza outside municipal or local town limits will pay Rs 1,500 per year, while those using a plaza within these limits will pay Rs 3,000 annually.
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The scheme provides an alternative to the existing monthly local pass for qualifying residents. However, the annual pass is not a nationwide toll pass. It will be valid only for the specific toll plaza for which it is issued.
FASTag Local Pass Price in 2026
The government has specified two annual fee categories based on the location of the toll plaza.
For toll plazas situated outside municipal or local town limits, the annual fee is Rs 1,500. For plazas located within municipal or local town limits, the fee is Rs 3,000.
The difference in price means that applicants should confirm the category of their relevant toll plaza before purchasing the pass. Living near a toll plaza does not automatically guarantee the lower fee, as the applicable rate depends on the plaza's location and the conditions prescribed under the rules.
The government may revise the fees annually, with revisions taking effect from April 1. Vehicle owners should therefore verify the applicable rate when applying rather than relying on older information.
Who Is Eligible for the New FASTag Pass?
The concessional Local Pass is intended for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners residing within 20 kilometres of a National Highway fee plaza.
Applicants must meet the following basic conditions.
The vehicle must qualify as a non-commercial vehicle under the applicable rules.
The vehicle must have a valid and functional FASTag registered for non-commercial use.
The owner's residence must be within the prescribed 20-kilometre distance of the relevant toll plaza.
The pass must be obtained for the specific toll plaza the vehicle owner intends to use.
Applicants may need to provide residential and vehicle details to establish their eligibility. They should check the requirements at the relevant toll plaza or through the designated application facility before applying.
The scheme is designed for local residents who frequently travel through a nearby toll plaza. It is not intended to provide unrestricted travel through every toll plaza on National Highways across India.
Where Will the Local Pass Not Be Available?
The new scheme includes restrictions on the toll locations where the concessional pass can be issued.
The pass will not be available for National Highways or expressways where toll collection operates under a closed user fee collection system. It will also not be issued at locations where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters to use.
These restrictions are important because not every person living within 20 kilometres of a toll plaza will automatically qualify. The eligibility of the location and the availability of alternative routes will also matter.
Before making a payment, residents should confirm whether their regular toll plaza is covered by the scheme. They should also check whether their vehicle and residential details satisfy the requirements.
How to Obtain the FASTag Local Pass
The annual local pass will be available at eligible toll plazas from November 1, 2026. The government has also announced that the facility will become available through the Rajmargyatra mobile application from December 1, 2026.
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Residents who want to apply should first identify the relevant toll plaza and confirm that it is covered by the scheme. They should ensure that their FASTag is active, functional and registered for non-commercial use.
Applicants should then follow the instructions provided by the toll plaza or the Rajmargyatra application once the online facility becomes available. They may need to submit the required information to establish their residence and vehicle eligibility.
The pass will be linked to the particular toll plaza for which it is issued. It cannot be transferred for use at another plaza. Applicants should review the terms and confirm successful activation before relying on it for regular travel.
Annual Pass Versus Monthly Local Pass
Eligible residents will have the option of choosing between the existing monthly local pass and the new concessional annual pass. The most suitable option will depend on how frequently they travel through the toll plaza and which fee applies to their location.
For example, a qualifying resident using a toll plaza outside municipal or local town limits would pay Rs 1,500 for the annual pass. A resident using an eligible plaza within those limits would pay Rs 3,000 annually. Those who travel less frequently may want to compare the available monthly option before making a decision.
Vehicle owners should not confuse this new facility with the separate FASTag Annual Pass available to eligible private vehicles for broader National Highway travel. The concessional Local Pass is specifically intended for eligible residents using a designated toll plaza.
What Should Vehicle Owners Do Next?
Residents who regularly cross toll plazas near their homes should check the scheme's eligibility requirements before November 1, 2026. They should confirm the distance from their residence, the classification of their toll plaza, the applicable annual fee and the documentation required for the application.
It is also important to check whether the plaza is excluded because of its toll collection system or the availability of a service road or alternative route. These conditions can determine whether an applicant is eligible, even if the residence is within the prescribed distance.
The new FASTag Local Pass is intended to make regular local travel more affordable for qualifying residents. With annual fees of Rs 1,500 or Rs 3,000, depending on the toll plaza's location, the scheme offers another option for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners. However, the pass is limited to the designated plaza and is subject to specific conditions. Residents should verify the latest official requirements before applying.
