Karnataka Commercial Vehicle Operators Seek FASTag Annual Toll Inclusion

A newly introduced toll pass for private vehicles has drawn criticism from Karnataka’s commercial transport operators, who say the scheme ignores those who use highways the most.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently launched a ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass, meant only for non-commercial four-wheelers. Set to begin on August 15, 2025, the plan allows up to 200 toll trips per year. The goal: cut toll expenses, simplify payments, and promote digital use.

Commercial Operators Push Back

In Karnataka, many commercial vehicle operators say they feel left out. Cabs, taxis, buses, goods carriers, and trucks cross toll booths daily, often across states. They argue that they should not be excluded, since their highway use is heavier and costlier than that of private cars.

“Private vehicles don’t frequently use national highways. They typically hit highways only during long-distance travel. In contrast, commercial vehicles whether it’s a long-haul lorry, intercity cab, or a tourist bus cover hundreds of kilometres every single day. They cross numerous toll plazas across multiple states. If toll relief is really the intention, then commercial vehicles should be the first to benefit,” said Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Travel Operators Association (KSTOA).

Toll Costs Are High for Commercial Transport

The KSTOA has already written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, requesting that commercial vehicles be added to the annual pass scheme.Radhakrishna Holla said: “Taxi drivers and public transport providers are among the most frequent users of highways. Even a single cab operator ends up paying more than ₹30,000 annually in tolls. A package like this could significantly reduce their burden, especially when fuel and maintenance costs are already skyrocketing.”

Nataraj Sharma, president of the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, agreed. He called current toll charges for commercial vehicles exorbitant and unsustainable. “We end up shelling out thousands of rupees every year, just on tolls alone. For fleet owners with dozens of vehicles, this cost is multiplied several times over. It’s only fair that the government offers similar annual pass options for commercial vehicle operators. These businesses form the backbone of logistics, public transport, and urban mobility. Without support, many small-scale operators will find it difficult to stay afloat.”

The Government’s Position

Union Minister Gadkari, in a June 18 video message, said the new FASTag pass would offer “big relief” to the public. “For a long time, there were concerns over the toll fee. This decision will provide a big relief to the public. The average toll fee will come down to ₹15 from ₹50 to ₹100.”

He added that the current toll cost for 200 trips, roughly ₹10,000, would drop to ₹3,000. The pass will be sold through the Rajmarg Yatra app and official MoRTH and NHAI websites. Its launch follows an amendment to Rule 9 under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

Conclusion

Commercial transport leaders say the relief should focus first on those who keep India moving. With rising costs for fuel, insurance, and vehicle upkeep, toll savings could offer a vital break. As pressure grows from unions and associations, many expect the government to reconsider the scope of the scheme. For now, though, Karnataka’s commercial vehicle operators remain excluded, despite their central role in highway traffic and national logistics.

For more articles and news, stay updated with 91trucks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin for the latest videos and updates from the automotive world!