Toll booths have been a widely discussed and debated topic ever since their inception in the early 21st century. Many things, including the method of collecting tolls in these booths, have changed over the years. However, throughout the course two-wheelers have been largely exempted from any toll tax.
Recently, unverified reports in the media have speculated a possible change in policy by the government in which two-wheelers will no longer be exempted from toll taxes. These reports have now been debunked by the Union Minister of Road and Transport in India.
No tolls on two-wheelers
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday dismissed speculative reports suggesting that the government plans to impose a toll tax on two-wheelers. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the minister clarified in Hindi that, “Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing a toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed.”
He further reassured the public that the exemption from toll charges for two-wheelers will continue as before. “Spreading such unverified and sensational news is not responsible journalism. I strongly condemn it,” Gadkari added.
Echoing the minister’s statement, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also clarified the matter on X. “There are no plans to introduce toll charges for two-wheelers,” the authority stated, confirming that no such proposal is currently under consideration.
FASTag annual pass
In a major move to ease travel and reduce expenses for highway commuters, the government recently announced the launch of a FASTag-based Annual Pass system from August 15. The new scheme will offer significant savings, allowing users to access over 200 toll plazas on National Highways for an annual fee of just Rs 3,000, a sharp reduction from the current average yearly toll expenditure of Rs 10,000.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that the scheme would bring “big relief” to regular travellers, cutting the average toll cost per trip to Rs 15. This initiative is expected to save frequent highway users up to Rs 7,000 annually, while also eliminating the need to stop at toll booths, thereby ensuring smoother traffic flow.
(With inputs from ANI)
