Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday, has strongly refuted the media reports suggesting the imposition of toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. Nitin Gadkari in a post on X, said that no such proposal has been made and the existing exemption for two-wheelers will remain fully intact.
Nitin 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."
There were earlier reports suggesting that tolls for two-wheelers would start from July 15, 2025, and that the FASTag exemption for two-wheelers might be removed. However, the government has now officially denied any such move.
Earlier, Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said that the introduction of a FASTag-based Annual Pass will provide a 'big relief' to commuters as it will reduce the financial burden and ease travel with no need to stop at toll plazas.
The Union Minister said that the annual pass scheme will allow commuters to cross 200 toll plazas on National Highways for just Rs 3,000 annually—down from the earlier average of Rs 10,000. The scheme will come into effect from August 15.
Speaking about the scheme, Nitin Gadkari said, "The decision made by the government will provide great relief to the public. It will enable people to travel on a very large scale. Earlier, people had to pay a toll of at least Rs 10,000. Now, the new pass costs only Rs 3000, allowing for a validity of 200 trips annually. One trip means crossing one toll."
Gadkari said the new system translates to an average toll cost of Rs 15 per crossing--substantially lower than the current average--and is expected to save regular highway users up to Rs 7,000 a year.
Gadkari also highlighted that the scheme will enhance ease of travel by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, thus cutting down congestion and travel time. The new annual pass will, however, apply only to National Highways and not to state roads.
"The advantage here is that 200 tolls will be crossed, resulting in an average cost of Rs 15 per toll crossing. This means people will save Rs 7000 every year. With the introduction of our new system, the need to stop at toll plazas will be eliminated. Those who were previously stopping will benefit from this scheme. This scheme applies only to National Highways and not state roads. It will commence on August 15," said Gadkari.
*With Agency Inputs
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