By shahrukh
15 min read

For people who live near a National Highway toll plaza, even a short daily journey can become expensive because they have to pay toll charges repeatedly. The Government of India has introduced a new Concessional Local Pass for ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 per year to reduce this burden on eligible local residents.

The new annual pass came into effect on 1 November 2026. It allows eligible vehicle owners living within 20 km of a toll plaza to choose between the existing monthly local pass and the new annual option. The pass applies to one specific toll plaza and cannot be transferred to another location.

This guide explains the new FASTag Local Pass, its annual fee, the 20 km eligibility rule, available application methods and the difference between a Local Pass and the regular FASTag Annual Pass. If you are new to FASTag, first read our complete FASTag guide.

FASTag Local Pass 2026: Key Details

FASTag Local Pass Important Information
Pass Name Concessional Local Pass / FASTag Local Pass
Introducing Authority Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India
Implementing Authority National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Eligibility Distance Residence within 20 km of the selected toll plaza
Vehicle Requirement Non-commercial vehicle with a valid and functional FASTag
Annual Pass Fee ₹1,500 or ₹3,000, depending on the toll plaza's location
Monthly Local Pass Fee Starts from ₹350; the actual fee depends on the toll plaza
Annual Pass Effective Date 1 November 2026
Annual Pass at Toll Plazas Available at eligible toll plazas from 1 November 2026
Annual Pass on Rajmargyatra App Scheduled from 1 December 2026
Monthly Pass Validity 30 days, with unlimited crossings at the selected plaza
Annual Pass Coverage Only the specific toll plaza for which it is issued
Official Portal Rajmargyatra Portal
Highway Helpline 1033

What Is the FASTag Local Pass?

The FASTag Local Pass is a discounted toll facility for eligible vehicle owners who live near a National Highway toll plaza. Instead of paying the regular toll every time they cross that particular plaza, eligible residents can obtain a pass by paying a fixed fee.

The pass is meant for people who frequently use the same toll plaza for everyday travel, such as travelling to work, school, markets or nearby areas.

There are now two local pass options:

  • Monthly Local Pass: An existing facility that allows eligible residents to cross their selected toll plaza without paying the regular toll on each trip. It remains valid for 30 days, and its price starts from ₹350, depending on the plaza.
  • Annual Concessional Local Pass: A new yearly option introduced through the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026. It costs ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 per year, depending on the location of the toll plaza.

Both options are linked to a specific toll plaza. You cannot purchase a pass for one plaza and use it at another, even if both plazas operate under the same authority.

The Ministry notified the new annual facility on 26 October 2026, and the rules came into force on 1 November 2026. You can read the announcement in the official PIB press release.

How Much Does the FASTag Local Pass Cost in 2026?

The annual fee depends on whether the selected toll plaza falls inside or outside the limits of a municipal or local town area. The government has fixed two rates for the new annual pass.

Local Pass Type Fee Validity or Coverage
Monthly Local Pass Starts from ₹350 30 days at the selected toll plaza
Annual Local Pass - Toll plaza outside municipal or local town limits ₹1,500 per year Specific toll plaza
Annual Local Pass - Toll plaza inside municipal or local town limits ₹3,000 per year Specific toll plaza

The monthly pass fee is not the same at every toll plaza. The Rajmargyatra portal displays the applicable price for the selected plaza before payment.

The annual rates may also change in the future. Under the 2026 amendment, the Central Government may revise them every year, with any revised rates taking effect from 1 April.

How Much Can You Save with the Annual Local Pass?

The annual option can reduce the cost for residents who regularly cross the same toll plaza. Consider the following example if the monthly pass at your selected plaza costs ₹350.

Particulars Amount
Monthly Local Pass ₹350
Cost for 12 months ₹4,200
Annual Local Pass outside municipal limits ₹1,500
Potential yearly saving ₹2,700
Annual Local Pass inside municipal limits ₹3,000
Potential yearly saving ₹1,200

This is only an illustration based on a monthly fee of ₹350. Since the monthly pass price varies by toll plaza, calculate your actual yearly cost before choosing an option.

Who Is Eligible for the FASTag Local Pass?

The new annual Local Pass is intended for vehicle owners who live close to a National Highway toll plaza. You must meet the conditions prescribed under the amended National Highways Fee Rules.

  • Residence within 20 km: You must reside within a distance of 20 kilometres from the toll plaza for which you want the pass.
  • Vehicle ownership: You must own the vehicle for which the pass is being requested.
  • Non-commercial registration: The vehicle must have a valid FASTag registered for non-commercial use.
  • Functional FASTag: The FASTag linked to your vehicle must be valid and working.
  • Eligible toll plaza: The selected plaza must fall under the Local Pass facility and must not be covered by the exclusions in the amended rules.

The digital monthly Local Pass facility on Rajmargyatra currently specifies cars, jeeps and vans registered for non-commercial use. The annual amendment uses the broader wording of a mechanical vehicle with a valid functional FASTag registered for non-commercial purposes. Check the applicable vehicle category with the toll plaza before applying.

How Is the 20 Km Distance Verified?

For the digital monthly pass, NHAI uses government digital platforms to verify the applicant's details. The Rajmargyatra system can retrieve relevant address and vehicle information through DigiLocker and VAHAN, with the applicant's consent.

It also uses GIS-based verification to check whether the registered residential address falls within the prescribed 20 km radius of the selected toll plaza.

This means that simply entering a nearby address in the application is not enough. The system checks the information available through the linked government records.

The official announcement of the annual pass confirms the 20 km residence condition, but it does not provide a separate, detailed verification procedure for applications made directly at toll plazas.

Who Cannot Get the Annual Local Pass?

Not every toll plaza or nearby resident qualifies for the new concessional pass. The 2026 amendment specifically excludes certain roads and locations.

1. Toll Plazas on Closed User-Fee Collection Highways

The annual Local Pass is not available on National Highways or expressways where toll charges are collected through a closed user-fee collection system.

2. Toll Plazas with a Service Road or Alternative Road

The government will not issue the concessional annual pass if a service road or alternative road is available for use by the driver, vehicle owner or person in charge of the vehicle.

3. Residents Living Beyond the 20 Km Limit

People whose residence falls outside the prescribed 20 km distance cannot claim the benefit under this local pass provision.

4. Vehicles Without a Valid Functional FASTag

A vehicle must have a valid and functional FASTag registered for non-commercial use. A vehicle with an invalid or non-functional tag does not meet this requirement.

These exclusions come from the Ministry's announcement and the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026.

Documents and Details Required for a Local Pass

The digital monthly pass uses information available through government platforms, so applicants generally do not need to upload supporting documents manually when the online verification works successfully.

Keep the following details ready before starting your application:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): The registration details help establish the vehicle's identity and ownership.
  • Vehicle registration number: You need the registration number of the vehicle linked to the FASTag.
  • Valid FASTag: The tag must be functional and linked to the same vehicle.
  • Aadhaar and DigiLocker access: The digital monthly pass uses consent-based DigiLocker verification to retrieve residential address information.
  • Address proof: Keep proof of your residential address available, particularly if you are applying at a toll plaza and officials ask for it.

Important: The Ministry's announcement of the annual Local Pass does not publish a complete document checklist for applications made at toll plazas. Therefore, do not treat the above list as a final mandatory checklist for every annual-pass application. Confirm the required documents with the concerned toll plaza before visiting.

How to Buy the Monthly Local Pass Through the Rajmargyatra App

You can purchase the digital monthly Local Pass through the Rajmargyatra platform if your selected toll plaza offers the facility. The online process uses your vehicle and address details to check eligibility.

  1. Open the Rajmargyatra portal: Visit the official Local Pass page. You can also use the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
  2. Select your toll plaza: Find the toll plaza you regularly cross. The pass will remain valid only for that location.
  3. Enter your vehicle registration number: Provide the registration number of the vehicle for which you want the pass.
  4. Complete address verification: Give consent for the system to retrieve your residential address through DigiLocker. The system checks the distance between your address and the selected toll plaza.
  5. Check your eligibility and fee: If your details meet the requirements, the portal displays the applicable monthly pass price.
  6. Make the payment: Pay the displayed amount through the available online payment option.
  7. Check activation: After successful payment and validation, check the pass status before travelling through the toll plaza.

The digital monthly Local Pass is valid for 30 days. If your selected plaza does not appear on the portal, check with the toll plaza directly to find out whether it offers a local pass.

How to Get the New Annual Local Pass from 1 November 2026

The annual concessional Local Pass became effective on 1 November 2026. The Ministry has announced two stages for making it available to eligible residents.

Date Availability
1 November 2026 Annual Local Pass available at eligible toll plazas
1 December 2026 Annual Local Pass scheduled to become available through the Rajmargyatra app

Application at an Eligible Toll Plaza

From 1 November 2026, eligible residents can approach the concerned toll plaza to obtain the annual pass. Before visiting, contact the plaza helpdesk to confirm the application procedure, documents and payment method.

Keep your vehicle registration details and FASTag information ready. You should also carry address proof and Aadhaar, although the Ministry's announcement has not published a final document checklist for counter applications.

Application Through the Rajmargyatra App

The Ministry has announced that the annual Local Pass will also be available through the Rajmargyatra app from 1 December 2026. Until that date, eligible residents can check availability at their toll plaza.

Use the official Rajmargyatra website for updates. Avoid making payments through unofficial websites or individuals claiming to issue the annual pass.

How to Check Whether Your Toll Plaza Offers a Local Pass

Before applying, check whether your toll plaza appears in the official Local Pass list. The Rajmargyatra portal provides a list of plazas where the digital monthly facility is available.

  1. Visit the Rajmargyatra Local Pass page.
  2. Find the section showing the live toll plaza list.
  3. Search for your toll plaza by name or browse the available state-wise entries.
  4. Check whether the digital Local Pass facility is available for that plaza.
  5. If your plaza is not listed, contact the toll plaza helpdesk and ask whether a monthly or annual local pass is available there.

The online list relates to the digital Local Pass facility. The annual pass has a separate rollout schedule, so the absence of a plaza from the digital list should not by itself be treated as confirmation that the annual facility is unavailable there.

Monthly Local Pass vs Annual Local Pass vs FASTag Annual Pass

These three passes serve different purposes. The two Local Pass options are meant for eligible residents who regularly cross one particular toll plaza. The regular FASTag Annual Pass is designed for private vehicle owners who travel on eligible National Highways and National Expressways across different locations.

Feature Monthly Local Pass Annual Local Pass FASTag Annual Pass
Fee Starts from ₹350 per month ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 per year ₹3,075 for FY 2026-27
Eligibility Eligible residents within 20 km Eligible residents within 20 km Eligible private non-commercial vehicles
Coverage One selected toll plaza One selected toll plaza Eligible National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas
Validity 30 days Annual fee 12 months or 200 crossings, whichever comes first
Crossing Limit Unlimited during the 30-day validity Not specified in the announcement of the new facility 200 crossings
Best Suited For Regular local travel for a month Regular travel through one nearby toll plaza throughout the year People who travel across different eligible highways

Which Pass Should You Choose?

  • Choose the Monthly Local Pass if you need the local facility for a short period or want to pay month by month.
  • Choose the Annual Local Pass if you live within 20 km of an eligible toll plaza and regularly cross that same plaza throughout the year.
  • Choose the FASTag Annual Pass if you frequently travel on different eligible National Highways and National Expressways rather than repeatedly crossing one local toll plaza.

The regular FASTag Annual Pass costs ₹3,075 for FY 2026-27 and covers up to 200 crossings or 12 months, whichever comes first. A round trip through an ordinary toll plaza generally counts as two crossings. Read our detailed guide on the FASTag Annual Pass for its eligibility, fee and usage rules.

How Does the Local Pass Work at a Toll Plaza?

Once your Local Pass becomes active, the FASTag system identifies the vehicle when it reaches the toll plaza for which the pass was issued.

For the monthly digital pass, the official NHAI information confirms unlimited crossings through the selected toll plaza during the 30-day validity period.

  • Keep the FASTag properly affixed to the vehicle's windscreen.
  • Use the FASTag lane at the toll plaza covered by your pass.
  • The toll system identifies the linked vehicle and checks the pass.
  • The monthly pass provides unlimited crossings at that selected plaza during its validity.

Do not assume that the new annual Local Pass has the same crossing conditions as the monthly pass. The Ministry's announcement and the 2026 amendment specify the annual fee and the plaza-specific nature of the pass, but do not separately state a crossing limit. Confirm the applicable usage conditions with NHAI or the toll plaza before purchasing it.

Your FASTag continues to be useful at other toll plazas. A Local Pass does not provide free travel across every National Highway or Expressway.

Can You Use a Local Pass and FASTag Annual Pass Together?

The Local Pass and the regular FASTag Annual Pass are different facilities. The Local Pass applies to one selected toll plaza, whereas the regular Annual Pass covers eligible National Highway and National Expressway toll plazas across India.

Rajmargyatra provides a separate FAQ on whether an existing Local Pass continues to work after activating the regular Annual Pass. Before purchasing both, check the latest official Rajmargyatra FAQs for the applicable priority and crossing treatment.

Do not assume that a crossing will automatically be deducted from one pass or the other without checking the current rules shown by NHAI.

What Happens If Your FASTag Is Inactive or Blacklisted?

A valid and functional FASTag is a basic requirement for the Local Pass. If your tag is inactive, blocked or not properly linked to your vehicle, resolve the issue before applying.

Here are some common situations to check:

  • Low balance or account issue: Check your FASTag wallet or linked account and contact the issuing bank if the tag has been blocked.
  • Pending KYC: Contact the bank that issued your FASTag and complete the required KYC process.
  • FASTag not affixed properly: Make sure the tag is attached to the vehicle's windscreen as required.
  • Incorrect vehicle mapping: Ask the issuing bank to check whether the FASTag is linked to the correct vehicle registration number.

You can also use the Rajmargyatra app's MargMitra Help Centre for assistance with FASTag services and blacklisting-related queries. For more help, read our guide on FASTag blacklisted problems and their solutions.

Important Rules You Should Know Before Buying the Pass

The Local Pass is a location-specific toll facility. Read these conditions carefully before making payment.

  • One plaza only: The pass is valid only at the toll plaza for which it has been issued.
  • No transfer to another plaza: You cannot use the pass at a different toll plaza.
  • Valid FASTag required: Your vehicle must have a valid and functional FASTag registered for non-commercial use.
  • 20 km residence condition: You must meet the prescribed distance requirement.
  • Alternative road restriction: The annual concessional pass will not be issued where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters.
  • Closed toll system restriction: The annual concessional pass is not available on highways or expressways using a closed user-fee collection system.
  • Annual rate revision: The Central Government may revise the annual fee every year, with changes taking effect from 1 April.

The new amendment does not, by itself, provide a complete list of cancellation, refund or penalty procedures. Check the terms applicable to your selected pass before paying, particularly if you are applying through the toll plaza rather than the digital monthly facility.

FASTag Local Pass: Helpline and Complaint Details

If you face a problem while checking eligibility, applying for a Local Pass or using it at a toll plaza, contact the official highway support channels.

Support Channel Details
National Highway Helpline 1033
Rajmargyatra Website rajmargyatra.nhai.gov.in
Local Pass Information Official Local Pass page
MargMitra Help Centre Available through the Rajmargyatra mobile app
FASTag Issuing Bank Contact the bank that issued your FASTag for tag, KYC or account-related problems

For a payment-related issue, keep your payment reference number, vehicle registration number and pass details ready. Use the support channel displayed on the official Rajmargyatra platform or contact the toll plaza concerned.

Important Official Links

Purpose Official Link
Rajmargyatra Official Website Click Here
Monthly Local Pass and Toll Plaza List Click Here
Ministry's Annual Local Pass Announcement Click Here
NHAI Announcement on Digital Local Pass Click Here
FASTag Annual Pass Details Click Here
FASTag Annual Pass Terms and Conditions Click Here
Rajmargyatra FAQs Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a discounted toll pass for eligible vehicle owners who live within 20 km of a National Highway toll plaza. It allows them to use a selected toll plaza under the applicable local pass conditions instead of paying the regular toll on every trip.

The annual fee is ₹1,500 for a toll plaza located outside municipal or local town limits. It is ₹3,000 for a toll plaza located within those limits.

The new annual Local Pass provision came into effect on 1 November 2026. It is available at eligible toll plazas from that date. The Ministry has announced its availability through the Rajmargyatra app from 1 December 2026.

Vehicle owners who reside within 20 km of an eligible toll plaza and have a valid, functional FASTag registered for non-commercial use can apply, subject to the other conditions.

Yes, the distance is within the prescribed 20 km limit. However, you must also meet the vehicle and FASTag requirements, and the selected toll plaza must be eligible for the facility.

No. The local pass provision requires the vehicle owner to reside within 20 km of the selected toll plaza.

No. A Local Pass is valid only for the specific toll plaza for which it is issued. It cannot be transferred to another plaza.

Yes. The 2026 amendment allows eligible vehicle owners to choose either the existing monthly pass or the new concessional annual Local Pass for the selected toll plaza.

The digital monthly Local Pass starts from ₹350. The exact amount depends on the toll plaza and is displayed on the Rajmargyatra platform before payment.

The monthly digital Local Pass is valid for 30 days and provides unlimited crossings at the selected toll plaza during that period.

The Ministry's announcement and the Fifth Amendment Rules, 2026, specify the annual fee and the plaza-specific validity, but do not separately state a crossing limit. Confirm the usage conditions with the toll plaza before purchasing the annual option.

No. The concessional Local Pass provision requires a valid and functional FASTag registered for non-commercial use.

Not on an expressway where toll collection is based on a closed user-fee collection system. The amendment also excludes locations where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters.

The digital monthly pass uses consent-based DigiLocker verification to retrieve residential address details. Keep access to your DigiLocker account ready when completing the online process. The Ministry's annual pass announcement does not publish a separate Aadhaar document checklist for counter applications.

The Ministry has announced that the annual pass will be available through the Rajmargyatra app from 1 December 2026. Before that date, eligible residents can approach the concerned toll plaza to check the application process.

The pass is linked to the vehicle for which it is issued. Do not use it on another vehicle. Confirm the applicable vehicle-linking and transfer conditions with the issuing authority.

Rajmargyatra provides a specific FAQ on the use of both facilities together. Check the latest official terms before activating both passes to understand which pass applies at the selected local plaza and how crossings are treated.

Visit the official Rajmargyatra Local Pass page and search for your toll plaza in the available list.

You can call the National Highway helpline at 1033 or use the MargMitra Help Centre in the Rajmargyatra app. For FASTag account or KYC issues, contact the bank that issued your tag.

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