The FASTag Annual Pass fee has also been increased from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 — a marginal hike of ₹75, approximately a 2.5% increase. The revised fee applies to non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, which are the primary users of this pass.

Which Toll Plazas Are Affected?

The toll plazas where revised charges have come into effect include Tindivanam, Athur, Bogalur, Boothakudi (Pudukkottai), Chennasamudram, Chittampatti, Ettur, Kaniyur, Kappalur, Keelkupam, Krishnagiri, Lembalakudi, Lakshmanapatti, Mathur, Nellur, Nanguneri, Sriperumbudur, Pallikonda, Paranur, and Pattarai Perumbudur, among many others. Additional plazas including Morattandi, Vanagaram, Vallam, Madukkarai, Nanguneri, Surapattu, Nallur, Vagaikulam, Kappalur, Etturvattam, Pongalur, and Valavanthankottai are also part of the revision. These plazas span key corridors connecting Chennai to major towns, industrial zones, and neighbouring states.

Why Does This Hike Happen Every Year?

The toll charges are revised based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) under the provisions of the NH Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The NHAI revises toll rates annually based on inflation, maintenance costs, and traffic usage. The current hike is also tied to concession agreements signed in 1992 and 2008. Generally, toll fees are increased between 5% and 10% every year.

All toll plazas on national highways are established as per the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, and the respective concessionaire agreements. This means the annual revision is not discretionary — it is a legal and contractual obligation built into the system.

The Bigger Picture — Tamil Nadu’s Toll Revenue

Toll collection in Tamil Nadu has grown steadily year over year — ₹2,649 crore in 2021–22, rising to ₹3,758 crore in 2022–23, then ₹4,157 crore in 2023–24, reaching ₹4,300 crore in 2024–25. By February of the 2025–26 fiscal year, ₹4,000 crore had already been collected. The highest toll collection was recorded on the Krishnagiri–Thoppur highway at ₹275.13 crore, while the lowest was at the Kurungudi toll plaza at ₹2.55 crore.

At the national level, the numbers are even more staggering. Total toll collection in India touched ₹64,809.86 crore in 2023–24, a 35% rise over the previous year, compared to ₹27,503 crore in 2019–20.

Impact on Freight Costs and Commodity Prices

Experts believe that the impact of the toll fee hike will not be limited to passengers. Higher tolls for heavy vehicles such as trucks and freight vehicles could increase transportation costs. When freight costs increase, it gradually impacts market prices. Consequently, a slight increase in the prices of essential commodities may also be observed.

Concerns are already being raised about a potential shortage of petrol and diesel in the state. In such a situation, the increase in toll fees could pose a double burden for travellers and transport operators. The uncertainty of fuel prices and the increase in toll rates are expected to increase travellers’ expenses.

C Dhanaraj, President of the State Lorry Owners’ Federation, said that after diesel bills, toll charges leave the biggest hole in operators’ pockets. He pointed out that a truck travelling from Chennai to Delhi would end up paying ₹1,000 more in toll charges alone, and urged the government to consider collecting user fees annually and doing away with toll plazas altogether.

What About the FASTag Annual Pass — Is It Worth It?

The FASTag Annual Pass is priced at ₹3,075 and allows seamless travel for one year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes earlier. It is linked to an active FASTag for quick and hassle-free activation. Cash payments at toll booths are also likely to be phased out from April 1, 2026.

The revised rate is applicable for eligible non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag seeking to avail the Annual Pass facility at about 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways. The FASTag Annual Pass eliminates the need to frequently recharge FASTag through a one-time fee payment for one-year validity or 200 toll plaza crossings.

NHAI has clarified that motorists would still benefit from the pass even after the price hike, as using it would still be cheaper than paying individual toll charges at each plaza. The pass can be bought or renewed online via the Rajmarg Yatra app or NHAI’s official website, and once the transaction is complete, the validity is updated on the existing FASTag within hours.

What Does This Mean for Daily Commuters?

Monthly pass fees are available for those who regularly use these toll plazas. This may provide some relief to local daily commuters, although an increase in overall expenses will still be felt. For occasional travellers and long-distance road users, the cumulative impact across multiple toll plazas on a single journey will be noticeably higher than before.

The revision also signals a broader shift in India’s highway policy — with FASTag now mandatory, cash transactions being phased out, and annual passes being promoted, the government is clearly pushing towards a fully digital, seamless tolling experience. The cost of that convenience, however, is being passed on to the public through these annual hikes.