New Toll Tax Rules 2025 – टोल टैक्स के नियमों में बड़ा बदलाव – India’s toll tax system saw major changes in 2025, led by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The goal? To make toll collection smoother, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and ensure a fairer system for everyone on the road.
From the rollout of GPS-based tolling to new options like annual passes and updated exemption rules, these changes are designed to improve the overall travel experience on national highways. In this article, we’ll break down what’s new, how it affects you, and answer the most frequently asked questions about the updated toll rules.
Key Updates to Toll Tax Rules in 2025
1. GPS-Based Toll Collection System (Effective May 1, 2025)
The traditional FASTag system is transitioning to a GPS-based toll collection system using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. This system calculates tolls based on the actual distance traveled, eliminating the need for physical toll booths for GNSS-equipped vehicles.
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Toll-Free for 20 km: Private vehicles with GNSS On-Board Units are exempt from toll charges for up to 20 kilometers per day on national highways, expressways, bridges, and tunnels. Beyond 20 km, tolls are charged based on distance traveled.
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Hybrid System: During the transition, GNSS and FASTag systems coexist, with dedicated lanes for GNSS-equipped vehicles. Non-compliant vehicles in GNSS lanes pay double the toll.
2. Proposed Annual and Lifetime Toll Passes (February 2025)
The government has proposed introducing annual toll passes (₹3,000) and lifetime passes (₹30,000 for 15 years) for private vehicles, integrated with FASTag. These passes would allow unlimited travel on national highways, aiming to reduce congestion and simplify payments. However, these are still under consideration and not yet implemented.
3. Toll Rate Hike (Effective April 1, 2025)
Toll rates across national highways and expressways increased by approximately 5%, aligned with the Wholesale Price Index (CPI)-based inflation. Sample rate changes include:
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Monthly Pass: Increased from ₹930 to ₹950.
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Commercial Cars/Jeeps: Single journey toll now ₹85, monthly pass ₹1,255 (up from ₹1,225).
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Light Motor Vehicles/Mini Buses: Single journey toll increased from ₹120 to ₹125.
4. 50% Discount for Frequent Travelers (Effective June 2025)
A 50% toll discount is available for frequent travelers (private, commercial, and light goods vehicles) under specific conditions, replacing the earlier 24-hour slab for discounted return trips.
5. Exemptions and Discounts
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Exempted Vehicles: Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire brigades, police), defense vehicles, vehicles of dignitaries (President, PM, Governors, MPs, MLAs), gallantry awardees, and vehicles for people with disabilities are toll-free. Two-wheelers and vehicles with less than one Passenger Car Unit (PCU) are also exempt.
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Local Residents: Vehicles registered within 20 km of a toll plaza qualify for exemptions or discounted monthly passes (e.g., ₹340 for non-commercial vehicles) with address proof and vehicle registration.
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Mumbai-Specific Exemption: Effective October 14, 2024, light motor vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans, auto-rickshaws, taxis, small trucks) are exempt from tolls at five Mumbai entry points to reduce traffic and pollution.
6. Toll Plaza Regulations
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Queue Management: No more than 6 vehicles per lane during peak hours, with a maximum service time of 10 seconds per vehicle. If the queue exceeds 100 meters or waiting time surpasses 3 minutes, tolls may be waived until resolved.
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FASTag Compliance: Mandatory for all vehicles, with over 97% of toll collections via FASTag. Non-compliant vehicles pay double the toll.
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Complaints: Toll-related issues can be reported to the toll operator or NHAI, with legal recourse available through traffic lawyers.
7. Toll Calculation
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Tolls are based on vehicle type, distance traveled, and infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, bypasses). The standard toll stretch is 60 km, with shorter stretches charged proportionally.
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Rates are revised annually on April 1, rounded to the nearest ₹5 (pre-2008 roads rounded to ₹1).
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to modernize toll collection, reduce travel time, and ensure equitable pricing. The GNSS system promotes a “pay-as-you-go” model, while exemptions and discounts cater to frequent travelers and local residents. However, travelers should stay informed via official sources like the NHAI website (tis.nhai.gov.in) or MoRTH (morth.nic.in), as some proposals, like annual passes, await confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the new GPS-based toll collection system?
The GPS-based system uses GNSS technology to charge tolls based on the actual distance traveled. Private vehicles with GNSS units are exempt for the first 20 km daily, with tolls applied only for additional distance.
2. Is FASTag still required?
Yes, FASTag remains mandatory during the transition to GNSS. Non-compliant vehicles pay double the toll. GNSS-equipped vehicles use dedicated lanes.
3. Who is exempt from paying tolls?
Exemptions apply to emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire brigades, police), defense vehicles, dignitaries, gallantry awardees, people with disabilities, two-wheelers, and vehicles with less than one PCU. Local residents within 20 km of a toll plaza may also qualify.
4. What are the proposed annual and lifetime toll passes?
The government has proposed a ₹3,000 annual pass and a ₹30,000 lifetime pass (15 years) for private vehicles, allowing unlimited travel on national highways. These are not yet implemented; check NHAI or MoRTH for updates.
5. How do I avail the 50% discount for frequent travelers?
The 50% discount applies to private, commercial, and light goods vehicles for short-term round trips. Specific conditions are outlined by NHAI, effective June 2025.
6. What are the rules for toll plaza queues?
Toll plazas must maintain no more than 6 vehicles per lane during peak hours, with a 10-second service time per vehicle. If queues exceed 100 meters or wait times surpass 3 minutes, tolls may be waived temporarily.
7. How can I check toll rates for my journey?
Visit tis.nhai.gov.in or the NHAI mobile app for updated toll rates by plaza, vehicle type, and route.
8. What should I do if I face issues at a toll plaza?
Report issues to the toll operator or NHAI helpline. For disputes, consult a traffic lawyer for legal recourse.
9. Are there specific exemptions for Mumbai?
Yes, light motor vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans, auto-rickshaws, taxis, small trucks) are exempt from tolls at five Mumbai entry points, effective October 14, 2024.
10. How are toll rates calculated?
Tolls are based on vehicle type, distance traveled (standard 60 km stretch), and infrastructure type. Rates are revised annually on April 1, aligned with inflation.
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Website – https://morth.nic.in/hi/toll