Fact Check: Toll Charges For Two-Wheelers? Nitin Gadkari Clarifies After Reports
The NHAI stated that no such proposal is under consideration by the Government of India.
The National Highways Authority of India has clarified that there are no plans to levy toll charges on two-wheelers, following reports in some media sections suggesting otherwise. The NHAI stated that no such proposal is under consideration by the Government of India.
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari also weighed on it and echoed similar message in a post on social media platform X.
Gadkari said, "Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed. The exemption on toll for two-wheeler vehicles will continue fully. Spreading misleading news without verifying the truth to create a sensation is not a sign of healthy journalism. I condemn this."
Earlier media reports suggested that the toll-free travel for two-wheelers on Indian highways might be ending. According to these reports, the FASTag free pass for two-wheelers could be discontinued, with toll charges potentially being introduced at highway entry points starting July 15, 2025.
As of this date, two-wheelers are exempt from toll charges on national highways in the country. Additionally, two-wheelers are not allowed entry on express highways, like Vadodara-Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Pune.
Historically, two-wheelers have enjoyed free passage on most toll roads and expressways across the country. This policy was initially implemented to reduce the financial burden on lower-income commuters and to prevent traffic congestion at toll plazas.
FASTag Annual Pass At Rs 3,000 From Aug. 15
Last week, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the government will introduce a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at Rs 3,000, effective from August 15, in a step towards hassle-free highway travel.
In a post on X, Gadkari said the pass is valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. The pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as on the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH, he added.
Nitin Gadkari Praises FASTag Ecosystem
The FASTag ecosystem has immense potential and can provide a foundation for seamless digital travel experiences across the country, Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday.
"We aim to expand the utility of FASTag into a robust platform that will enhance user convenience, streamline transport & mobility services, and bring greater efficiency to the sector," said Gadkari.
The road transport and highways minister was speaking at a workshop with Fintech companies organised in New Delhi by Indian Highways and Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The objective of the workshop was to gather insights from leading fintech players on various aspects such as regulatory compliance, grievance redressal, security, and non-toll applications of FASTag to support its next phase of growth.
