NEW DELHI: In a major relief for local commuters, residents living within 20 km of a National Highway toll plaza can now opt for an annual concessional pass costing Rs 1,500 for plazas located outside municipal or local town limits and Rs 3,000 for those within such limits.

Currently, eligible residents can obtain a monthly pass for Rs 360, amounting to Rs 4,320 annually.Road transport ministry notified the changes to NH Fee Rules on Monday. Under the provision, vehicle owners with valid and functional FASTags registered for personal use can choose either the existing monthly pass or the new concessional local pass for commuting through the specific toll plaza.

Govt will revise these rates every year on April 1. As per the notification, the concession will be applicable only to the specific toll plaza and will not be transferable for use at other plazas.

However, the pass will not be issued for NHs or expressways where toll is collected under a closed user fee collection system.The rules also make the concession conditional on the non-availability of a service road or alternative road for the vehicle owner or driver. This means residents will not be eligible for the concessional pass if such an alternative route is available for their use .