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Rahul, Priyanka Meet Gadkari Over Rajasthan Vehicle Body Builders' Fee Concerns

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss challenges faced by truck and bus body builders from Rajasthan regarding new government standards and fees. The minister assured the delegation that their concerns would be considered. Separately, the National Highways Authority of India announced a revision in the FASTag Annual Pass fee, increasing it to Rs 3,075 for the 2026-27 financial year. This revised rate, effective April 1, 2026, applies to non-commercial vehicles and is used by over 56 lakh motorists across national highways.

Key Points: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Meet Gadkari on Vehicle Fee Issues

  • Congress leaders met Transport Minister
  • Raised concerns of Rajasthan body builders
  • New FASTag pass fee set to increase
  • Fee hike effective April 2026
2 min read

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi meet Nitin Gadkari; flags concerns of Rajasthan vehicle body builders' over new fees

Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to address Rajasthan truck body builders' concerns over new government fees.

"Minister Gadkari assured them that the government would consider their concerns - Official Statement"

New Delhi, March 19

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Wednesday, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to discuss challenges faced by truck and bus body builders from Rajasthan.

According to the All India Congress Committee, a delegation of small truck and bus body builders met Rahul Gandhi, expressing concerns over the government's new standards and fees.

MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with the delegation, met Nitin Gadkari. Minister Gadkari assured them that the government would consider their concerns and work towards addressing the issues.

Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to revise the applicable fee for the FASTag Annual Pass, increasing the rate from the current Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075 for the 2026-27 Financial Year.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this new fee structure takes effect on April 1, 2026. The adjustment follows the regulatory framework established under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

The revised rate applies specifically to eligible non-commercial vehicles equipped with a valid FASTag.

This facility remains available at approximately 1,150 fee plazas across the network of National Highways and National Expressways. The Ministry noted that the adoption of the FASTag Annual Pass continues to grow among private vehicle owners, with the user base currently exceeding 56 lakh individuals.

By opting for this annual pass, motorists eliminate the need for frequent recharges. The system operates on a one-time fee payment that grants validity for one full year or a total of 200 toll plaza crossings. The Ministry noted that the pass is applicable for all non-commercial vehicles, provided they maintain a valid FASTag.

The activation process remains streamlined for the convenience of the commuters. Once the one-time fee is paid through the Rajmarg Yatra app or the official National Highways Authority of India website, the annual pass activates within two hours on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle. This digital integration ensures that the transition to the new fee cycle remains seamless for the existing 56 lakh users.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While it's positive that concerns are being heard, the article jumps from a specific issue to FASTag fees. The Rs 75 increase seems minor, but it's the cumulative effect of all small hikes that pinches the common man's pocket. Transparency in how these rates are decided is key.
V
Vikram M
The FASTag annual pass is actually a very convenient system, bhai. 56 lakh users is no small number. A small increase after so many years is understandable with inflation. But the government must ensure the extra revenue translates to better road maintenance.
P
Priya S
Why is the fee revision announced for 2026 now? It creates unnecessary anxiety. Focus should be on the immediate issue - the body builders. Their livelihood is at stake today, not a toll fee two years from now. Priorities, please.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the meeting is good optics, we need to see concrete results. How many such "assurances" have been given before? The small-scale industry needs policy stability, not just promises after a delegation meets a big leader.
K
Kavya N
The digital integration mentioned is impressive. Activating within 2 hours on the app is smooth. This is the kind of ease of living we need. But again, the cost should not keep rising for essential services like using highways.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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