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Key Points

Nitin Gadkari has dismissed reports claiming the government plans to impose toll tax on two-wheelers, calling them misleading. The NHAI also clarified that no such proposal is under consideration. Meanwhile, a new FASTag-based Annual Pass will soon allow commuters to save up to Rs 7,000 annually on tolls. Additionally, an advanced ANPR-FASTag system is being tested for seamless, barrier-free tolling.

Key Points: Nitin Gadkari Denies Reports of Toll Tax on Two-Wheelers

  • Gadkari denies toll tax plans for two-wheelers
  • NHAI confirms no such proposal exists
  • FASTag Annual Pass to save commuters up to Rs 7,000 yearly
  • ANPR-FASTag system to enable barrier-free tolling
3 min read

No plans to collect tolls from two-wheelers, Nitin Gadkari junks reports

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dismisses rumors of toll tax on two-wheelers, reaffirms exemption while announcing FASTag-based Annual Pass for commuters.

"Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed. – Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, June 26

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari junked on Thursday the speculative reports that asserted the government was going to impose toll tax on two-wheelers.

"Some media houses are spreading misleading news about imposing toll tax on two-wheeler vehicles. No such decision has been proposed," the minister wrote on X, in Hindi.

The exemption on toll for two-wheeler vehicles will continue fully, he reassured.

"Spreading misleading news without verifying the truth to create a sensation is not a sign of healthy journalism. I condemn this," he added.

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) also separately clarified that that no such proposal is under consideration.

"There are no plans to introduce toll charges for two-wheelers," NHAI wrote on X.

In a separate news, the government is set to introduce a FASTag-based Annual Pass, that 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 annual pass scheme that 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.

Minister Gadkari had 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.

In April this year, in view of the multiple reports claiming that FASTags will be replaced by a satellite-based tolling system from May 1, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had issued a clarification, refuting these claims. The ministry had confirmed that no such decision was made.

The Ministry in a release, then announced that in order to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time, an 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' will be implemented at selected toll plazas.

The advanced tolling system will combine 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) technology, which will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing 'FASTag system' that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction.

Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties.

NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of the 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country, subsequently.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good clarification by Gadkari ji! Two-wheelers are used by common people for daily commute. Toll would have been unfair burden. The annual FASTag pass is a brilliant move though - will save me ₹500/month on Delhi-Jaipur trips! 🙌
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Priya M.
Media should be more responsible before spreading such rumors. My husband was worried about extra expenses for his bike commute. The new barrier-less tolling system sounds promising - hope it reduces the long queues at toll plazas.
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Amit S.
While I appreciate the clarification, the government should also focus on improving road quality. Many national highways have potholes that are dangerous for two-wheeler riders. Safety first!
S
Sunita R.
₹3000 annual pass is a game-changer for middle class families! My daughter travels daily for college via highway - this will save us so much. But implementation should be smooth, unlike initial FASTag rollout which had many issues.
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Vikram J.
ANPR+FASTag technology sounds futuristic! But what about privacy concerns with number plate tracking? Government should clarify data usage policies. Otherwise, good infrastructure development by NHAI.
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Neha P.
As a working woman who rides scooter daily, I'm relieved about no toll for two-wheelers. But media should stop creating panic with fake news. The new annual pass scheme is much needed - highway tolls were becoming too expensive.

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