The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) introduced an annual toll pass for private vehicles priced at Rs 3,000. This pass offers either 200 toll-free trips or is valid for an entire year. While many are still learning about it, a resident of Noida has gained significant attention on social media by taking full advantage of it.
A man completed a solo road trip of approximately 11,000 kilometers in his Mahindra Thar within 25 days. He traveled through 13 states, visiting 12 Jyotirlingas and four Dhams (holy places). In a humorous manner, he said he deserved an award for maximizing the annual pass.
He began with 199 trips on the pass and had 80 remaining upon his return, indicating he crossed approximately 119 toll plazas. A journey of this length would typically incur tolls of Rs 15,000 to Rs 17,000, but he saved significantly with the pass.
However, the pass isn’t applicable everywhere. For example, he had to pay an additional Rs 1,200 on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway. He spent an extra Rs 2,400 in Tamil Nadu and other locations. He also mentioned driving about 200 kilometers extra for the pleasure of the road, which increased his diesel expenses. Nonetheless, he found the pass highly beneficial.
The video, shared on Instagram on September 24, has received over 1 million views, with people showering praise. One user wrote that it was not just a journey but an achievement. Another mentioned they had also utilized the pass extensively. Some users questioned why extra tolls were required despite the annual pass.
According to NHAI rules, the pass is only valid for private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans). A pre-existing Fastag link is required, and the vehicle must not be blacklisted. Vehicles registered by chassis number must be updated. Commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks are excluded.
This individual’s experience shows that the NHAI’s annual toll pass can be highly economical for those undertaking long journeys. Despite some limitations, its effective use can significantly benefit travelers financially.
