For daily commuters using highways near their homes, there is welcome news. Many residents living close to toll plazas may be eligible to travel toll-free for their routine journeys, such as commuting to work, school, or local markets. Despite widespread use, this facility remains little known among the public.
Who Is Eligible?
The National Highways Authority of india (NHAI) and other highway authorities allow toll exemptions for residents living within a 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza. The idea is to reduce the financial burden on daily local commuters who use the same stretch multiple times a day.
Eligible residents typically include:
- People commuting to work or offices nearby
- Students traveling to schools and colleges
- Shopkeepers and traders making local deliveries
How It Works
- Proof of Residence: Residents must provide a valid address proof to the toll authority.
- Exemption Pass/Tag: Some highways issue a special tag or pass that can be linked to your vehicle for toll-free travel.
- Daily Limit: The exemption usually applies to routine trips within the 20 km zone. Longer journeys or one-off travel beyond the limit are charged normally.
How to Apply
Visit the toll plaza office or highway authority website.
Submit documents like Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill to prove residence.
Apply for a resident toll-exemption pass.
Once approved, affix the pass or link your vehicle to the toll tag system.
Benefits
- Reduces daily commuting costs significantly
- Encourages local residents to use highways efficiently
- Prevents multiple small deductions on repeated local trips
Important Notes
- This facility does not cover commercial vehicles.
- The exemption is only for routine travel within the 20 km zone.
- Each toll plaza may have slightly different rules, so check with the local authority.
This initiative ensures that local residents living near toll plazas are not unfairly burdened by repeated charges for short, everyday trips. It also highlights the importance of awareness, as many people continue to pay tolls unnecessarily.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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