Ultimate Guide to Toll Passes in India: Monthly, Annual, Lifetime & Online Payment

The rapid expansion and reconstruction of cities over the last decade in India means that there has also been a rapid expansion of highways and expressways. And yes, along with that, comes the inevitable expansion of highways, expressways, and yes….toll plazas. 

In fact, for millions of commuters, they’ve become an everyday part of life. Hence, the government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have introduced different types of toll passes. All in order to reduce traffic congestion and increase cost savings.

But the key question (for those still uninitiated) remains: what is a toll pass?

The answer? It is essentially a prepaid permit that allows commuters to cross specific toll booths/plazas for a fixed number of trips. Instead of paying every single time, you can pay upfront for unlimited /capped trips.

Nowadays, most toll passes in India are linked to FASTag. Which is an electronic toll collection system powered by NETC (National Electronic Toll Collection). With FASTag, vehicles pass through plazas without stopping, as charges are automatically deducted. Passes make this process even smoother by reducing repeated deductions.

As per the official description on the website:

“FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion. FASTag (RFID Tag) is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle and enables a customer to make the toll payments directly from the account which is linked to FASTag. FASTag is operational at over 750 toll plazas, including all NH toll plazas and over 100 SH toll plazas in India.”

This blog describes any and all relevant information you need about toll passes in India. Let’s take it step by step.

Monthly Toll Pass

• Description & Pricing: Typically available at ₹340 per month for cars and private vehicles, though exact rates can vary slightly depending on the toll plaza. This fee covers unlimited trips through that particular toll gate for one month.
• Eligibility: Available for private non-commercial vehicles only. Not valid for trucks, buses, or other commercial transport.
• Travel Limits: Unlimited trips but usually only valid at a specific toll plaza. If you commute daily through the same toll, this option saves considerable money.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step) for Monthly Toll Pass:

1. Visit the toll plaza counter or the NHAI’s official portal.
2. Provide vehicle details (RC, FASTag ID).
3. Pay the monthly pass fee.
4. The pass is linked to your FASTag and activated instantly.

This pass is ideal for local commuters, for example, someone living in Gurgaon and working in Delhi who crosses the Delhi–Gurgaon toll daily.

• Description & Pricing: Around ₹3,000 per year, covering up to 200 trips. Some locations may have slightly higher or lower rates depending on distance and traffic load.
• Eligibility: Restricted to private vehicles (cars and jeeps).
• Validity & Trip Limits: Valid for one calendar year or until 200 trips are completed—whichever comes first.
• Where to Buy: Available via the Rajmarg Yatra app, the official NHAI website, or directly at select toll plazas.

Benefits vs. Monthly Pass:

• A regular commuter who crosses a toll 5–6 times a week would end up paying ₹4,000–₹4,500 in monthly passes annually. In comparison, the annual pass at ₹3,000 saves about 25–30%.
• For irregular commuters, this is not as beneficial since unused trips cannot be carried forward.

Example Calculation:

• Commuter A crosses 4 times a week → 16 times a month → 192 times a year.
• Without pass: ₹65 per trip × 192 = ₹12,480.
• With Annual Pass: ₹3,000 flat.
  Savings: ~₹9,480 annually!

Lifetime Toll Pass

• Description & Pricing: Approximately ₹30,000 for 15 years of validity. This is sometimes also referred to as a “long-term pass.”
• Current Status: Still in pilot and rollout stages. Availability differs by state and highway authority. Not all toll plazas accept it yet.
• Pros:
  • Best for long-term residents commuting through the same toll daily.
  • Locks in cost for years, even if toll prices increase.
• Cons:
  • High upfront cost.
  • Limited flexibility—non-transferable and tied to one vehicle.

For families living near a toll plaza where one person commutes daily for work, the lifetime pass is worth considering if available.

Pass Type	Price	Validity	Trip Limit	Eligible Vehicles	Transferability	Key Benefits
Monthly Pass	₹340	1 month	Unlimited (1 toll)	Private vehicles only	No	Useful for daily local commuters
Annual Pass	₹3,000	1 year	200 trips	Private vehicles only	No	Cost-effective for frequent travelers
Lifetime Pass	₹30,000	15 years	Unlimited	Private vehicles only	No	Best for long-term, daily toll users

FASTag has made toll payment largely cashless. You can recharge and pay tolls online through:

1. Bank Apps & Net Banking – Most major banks (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis, etc.) issue FASTags and allow recharges.
2. UPI Apps – Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm all support FASTag recharge.
3. NHAI Wallet – Through the Rajmarg Yatra app or NHAI prepaid wallet.
4. Dedicated Portals – NETC FASTag portal, Paytm FASTag recharge site.

This ensures smooth passage at all 700+ toll plazas in India, without the hassle of cash handling.

• Time Savings: No need to stop and pay every time; faster transit.
• Fuel Efficiency: Less idling at toll booths saves petrol/diesel.
• Cost Efficiency: Annual and lifetime passes drastically reduce expenses for frequent commuters.
• Less Congestion: Fewer vehicles stopping at plazas means smoother traffic flow.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduced emissions from vehicles idling in queues.

1. What happens after 200 trips on an annual pass?
   The pass expires, and you must either buy a new annual pass or switch to monthly passes/regular FASTag deductions.
2. Can I transfer my toll pass to another vehicle?
   No, all passes are vehicle-specific and linked to the RC and FASTag of that vehicle.
3. Are commercial vehicles eligible?
   Generally, no. Monthly, annual, and lifetime passes are only for private cars/jeeps. Trucks and buses must pay per trip.
4. How do I check my pass balance and validity?
   Through the FASTag provider’s app, SMS updates, or NHAI’s Rajmarg Yatra app.
5. Does the lifetime pass exist everywhere in India?
   No, availability is limited. As of 2025, certain corridors are piloting it, but nationwide implementation is still awaited.
6. What if my FASTag doesn’t scan at the toll?
   You can call NHAI’s 24×7 helpline (1033) or pay cash temporarily while your FASTag is revalidated.
7. Can I buy more than one pass for the same vehicle?
   No, only one active pass per vehicle can exist at a time.

• Digital-First Push: As of 2025, the government aims for 100% electronic tolling, eliminating cash lanes.
• GNSS-Based Tolling: Pilot projects are underway for GPS-based tolling, where charges are based on the distance traveled, not just plaza crossings. This system is already being tested in Europe and is expected in India within 2–3 years.
• Barrier-Free Travel: Future tolls may no longer require physical booths, reducing traffic congestion significantly.
• Integration with EV Policies: Annual and lifetime toll passes may come with discounts for electric vehicles, encouraging adoption.
  

Conclusion

With the goal of making regular commuting easier and more palatable in India, toll passes offers commuters significant advantages. The monthly pass remains perfect for short-term use and limited commuters. On the other hand, the annual pass helps create long-term cost savings for daily travelers. 

Meanwhile, for business-oriented, ultra-busy individuals, the lifetime pass is pretty much a permanent solution for their needs. Combine this with FASTag and various online payment systems, and these passes reduce waiting times, help save money, and promote greener highways.

With more innovations on the horizon (like the GNSS-based tolling), India’s toll collection is moving towards being more efficient and streamlined than ever. Are you someone on the road all the time? Make sure to read up on all our road safety articles at Ecozaar.