NHAI to make local toll passes more  transparent. Here is what J&K’s highway users could expect 

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar — The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a nationwide directive mandating the prominent display of concessional pass information at all toll plazas, a move expected to significantly benefit frequent travelers and local residents across the key corridors of Jammu and Kashmir.

The order, which requires toll plazas to clearly advertise the availability, rates, and application procedures for the ‘Local Monthly Pass’ and the ‘Annual Pass’, aims to boost user awareness and enhance the transparency of toll operations. All fee plazas have been given 30 days to implement the new signage.

For residents living in towns situated near major national highways—such as those traversing the vital Jammu-Srinagar corridor (NH-44)—the ‘Local Monthly Pass’ is the most impactful feature of the announcement.

The Local Monthly Pass allows private vehicle owners residing within a 20 km radius of a toll plaza to secure a subsidized monthly pass.

In a region where many rely on the national highway network for daily commutes to work, educational institutions, or markets, this pass provides substantial financial relief by reducing travel costs. Previously, many users were unaware of the eligibility criteria, or faced procedural hurdles.

The new signboards, which must be displayed in English, Hindi, and the local regional language (addressing the diverse linguistic landscape of J&K), will clearly list the required documents, which include Aadhar card, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and proof of residential address. This move is designed to make the application process straightforward and accessible for local communities.

While the local pass aids daily commuters, the clarification on the Annual Pass provides a major incentive for private vehicle owners traveling long distances or frequently on business.

The Annual Pass offers up to 200 fee plaza crossings over one year for a single, one-time payment of ₹3,000. Valid across approximately 1,150 national toll plazas nationwide, the pass makes travel predictable and more economical for:

1. Inter-State Businesses: Companies and individuals traveling frequently between J&K and neighboring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

2. Pilgrimage & Tourism: Private tourists based in J&K embarking on long national journeys.

The Annual Pass can be purchased and digitally activated via the ‘Rajmargyatra App’, linking it directly to the vehicle’s valid FASTag.

NHAI’s directive emphasizes not only the placement of physical signage in highly visible locations but also the uploading of detailed pass information on the Rajmargyatra mobile application. This combination ensures that users have both physical and digital access to all concession schemes.

“The prominent display of this information underscores NHAI’s commitment to improving user experience and making travel more economical,” a spokesperson said in a statement. For the National Highway users of Jammu and Kashmir, the mandate promises a transparent and cost-effective commute on the region’s critical road infrastructure.