India is undergoing a significant road reform in 2025. The government has officially announced a new toll collection system based on a subscription model, replacing the traditional per-trip toll fee structure. The new system aims to reduce congestion, save time, and cut fuel consumption, especially for regular highway users.
What Is the Subscription Toll Model?
This model works like your OTT subscription—pay a fixed amount, and enjoy unlimited or limited access based on your plan. Here, drivers will pay a monthly or annual fee to use national highways within a chosen zone or across India. No more waiting at toll booths or topping up Fastag every week.
Why Is It Being Introduced?
The government is targeting long-standing toll system issues:
- Time wasted in queues at toll plazas
- Fastag scanner failures
- Inconsistent toll charges
- Fuel loss and increased pollution
With this model, frequent travelers benefit the most, while even rare users can choose lighter plans that are better tailored to their usage.
How Does It Work?
The system is GPS-based. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Subscription Packages are available via a mobile app or government portal.
- GPS Tracking records your movement across highways (like how fitness apps track your run).
- No Stops at toll booths—charges are calculated automatically.
- Flexible Plans based on kilometers or unlimited travel.
Plan Tiers, Cost & Trip Limits (Expected Estimates)
| Plan Type | Price/Month (â‚ą) | Trip Limit (Monthly) | Coverage | Best For |
| Lite Commuter | â‚ą300 | 5 round trips (max 500 km) | City-to-suburb highways | Weekly intercity users |
| Standard Traveller | â‚ą750 | 15 round trips (1500 km) | Regional NH zones | Office commuters |
| Frequent Explorer | â‚ą1,500 | 40 round trips (4000 km) | Multi-zone highways | Intercity road trippers |
| Business Unlimited | â‚ą2,999 | Unlimited | All-India NH access | Logistics, transport fleets |
Note: Final pricing and trip limits may vary at official rollout. These are proposed government slabs from internal policy drafts.
Toll System Comparison Chart
| Criteria | Current Toll System | Subscription Model |
| Cost for Frequent Users | High (₹3000+/mo) | Moderate (₹1500–₹3000) |
| Cost for Rare Users | Affordable | ₹300–₹500 options |
| Wait Time at Toll Booths | 5–10 mins/booth | 0 mins |
| Convenience | Medium | High |
| Transparency | Medium | Very High (in-app usage) |
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Raj, a daily commuter from Gurgaon to Noida, drives around 1000 km a month on highways. Under the current Fastag system, he pays around ₹1,200–₹1,500 per month.
With the Standard Traveller Plan at â‚ą750, he can make the same trips at a fixed cost and enjoy zero booth stops, zero recharges, and real-time tracking.
Initial Rollout Corridors
The system will first be introduced in high-traffic corridors like:
- Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
- Bengaluru–Chennai Highway
- Pune–Nagpur Route
- Hyderabad–Vijayawada Corridor
Gradually, it will cover all 28,000+ km of National Highways.
Is GPS Tracking Safe?
Yes. The Ministry has assured that:
- Only travel distance will be tracked
- Personal location data won’t be shared
- Data is encrypted and stored securely under India’s data privacy law
- You’ll have full access to your trip logs
How to Subscribe?
- Visit the upcoming app: “Bharatmala Pass” (name under development)
- Enter your vehicle number and owner details
- Select your plan based on usage
- Pay via UPI or card
- Confirmation is sent instantly, and you’re ready to go
For vehicles without in-built GPS, a low-cost GPS device will be provided or linked through smartphones.
Public Reaction
- Frequent commuters are excited—they expect to save time and money.
- Truck fleet owners love the bulk plan and dashboard system for managing multiple vehicles.
- Occasional users are unsure but can stick with Fastag for now.
- Privacy advocates are watching the GPS element closely but welcome the transparency benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the subscription mandatory?
No. For now, it’s optional. Fastag will continue for non-subscribers.
Q2. What if I drive more than my plan limit?
Extra trips are auto-charged per km after exceeding your plan.
Q3. Can I pause or cancel my subscription?
Yes. Monthly plans can be canceled any time. Unused travel credits may expire.
Q4. Will this system work on all roads?
Only on National Highways initially. State highways may join in later.
Q5. What about rental cars or taxis?
Subscription is linked to the vehicle, not the person. So rental cars can be pre-subscribed by the provider.
Q6. Are there discounts for women, senior citizens, or EVs?
Government is considering up to 20% rebates for electric vehicles and special user categories.
Final Thoughts
India’s new GPS-based toll subscription system could reshape how we travel by road. If implemented effectively, it will:
- Eliminate time wastage at toll booths
- Encourage smoother intercity travel
- Boost transport business efficiency
- Reduce vehicle emissions from idling queues
This step brings India closer to the global standard of smart road infrastructure. Whether you’re a commuter, a cabbie, or a truck fleet owner—this is something to watch out for in 2025.