In a major relief for lakhs of daily commuters across India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reintroduced and reinforced a highly beneficial initiative. Residents who live within a 20-kilometre radius of any toll plaza on national highways are now eligible to apply for a monthly toll pass costing only ₹340, which allows unlimited travel across that toll plaza without incurring additional charges.
Aimed at Reducing Financial Strain on Locals
This scheme, often overlooked, is a part of the broader policy of NHAI to support local communities who are otherwise burdened by daily toll charges for short-distance commutes. The ₹340 monthly pass policy is applicable for non-commercial vehicles registered within the 20-km vicinity of a toll plaza, effectively making daily travel significantly cheaper for thousands of commuters.
“This initiative has been in place, but awareness among the public was limited. We are now working to actively inform eligible residents so they can benefit from it,” an NHAI official told [News Outlet].
Unlimited Crossings, One Flat Fee
Under the scheme, eligible residents can make unlimited crossings through the designated toll plaza every month by paying a one-time fee of ₹340. This is especially helpful for office-goers, students, and businesspersons who rely on private vehicles for daily travel between nearby cities or towns.
For example, if someone lives in Gurgaon and regularly travels to Delhi, or someone commuting daily from Thane to Mumbai, this toll pass can save them hundreds or even thousands of rupees every month, depending on their usage.
Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
To avail of the ₹340 monthly pass, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- The vehicle must be non-commercial (i.e., private use).
- The vehicle should be registered at an address within a 20-kilometre radius of the toll plaza.
- The applicant must submit proof of residence, such as Aadhaar card, utility bills, or a valid registration certificate showing address.
- The vehicle must be FASTag-enabled, as the pass will be linked to the FASTag account.
Applications can be made online via the NHAI FASTag portal or at the respective toll plazas. In some regions, NHAI officials are also organizing local awareness drives to guide citizens through the process.
Why It Matters
Commuters have long complained about the financial stress of paying full toll amounts daily, especially when living close to toll plazas and using highways for short distances. The high frequency of tolls has been a sore point, sometimes leading to protests and petitions.
With fuel prices remaining high and the cost of living steadily increasing, this move offers significant relief.
“Earlier, I used to spend around ₹1,200 a month on tolls just to go to my workplace 15 km away. Now I just pay ₹340 for the entire month. It’s a huge relief,” says Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Faridabad.
Boost for Urban and Semi-Urban Commuters
The policy is expected to benefit those living in peri-urban and semi-rural areas, who depend on highways for commuting to urban job centres. Experts also see this as a smart step toward encouraging legal and smooth toll practices, reducing long queues and arguments at toll plazas.
Source and Official Reference
The scheme is officially outlined under the NHAI guidelines in accordance with Rule 4 of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, which specifies concessional rates for local users within a 20-km radius.
For more details and to apply, visit the official NHAI site:
🔗 https://nhai.gov.in
Conclusion
This move by NHAI is a positive step toward making daily commuting more affordable and hassle-free. By reducing toll expenses for local residents, it not only lessens financial pressure but also improves overall highway efficiency. All eligible residents are encouraged to check their status and apply for the monthly pass to take full advantage of this scheme.
