Over the past few days, social media was flooded with alarming messages claiming that motorcycles and scooters would soon be charged tolls on national highways. These viral posts warned of mandatory FASTag activation starting from 15 July 2025, creating confusion and panic among daily riders and commuters.
The sudden fear was whether the government was planning to revoke the long-standing toll-free privilege for bikers. Thankfully, authorities responded quickly and clarified the situation, putting rumors to rest.
Official Stand: Nitin Gadkari and NHAI Step In
On 26 June 2025, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari issued a public statement confirming that there is no proposal to impose tolls on two-wheelers. He clarified that the viral messages are false and misleading.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also confirmed that there are no such plans under consideration and that two-wheelers will continue to enjoy toll-free access across highways.
Why Two‑Wheelers Remain Toll‑Free
- Road Tax Already Paid: When registered, two-wheelers already pay road tax, so adding tolls would be double taxation.
- Low Revenue Potential: The cost of setting up toll infrastructure for bikes outweighs the marginal revenue they could generate.
- Public Equity: Keeping tolls free for bikes helps lakhs of middle-class commuters, students, and delivery riders.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Many highways already don’t allow bikes for safety reasons, so tolls wouldn’t apply anyway.
What Triggered the Confusion
The misunderstanding arose from the announcement of a new FASTag-based Annual Pass, launching on 15 August 2025, designed specifically for private four-wheelers like cars, vans, and jeeps.
This pass costs ₹3,000 and allows up to 200 toll plaza crossings or one full year of usage—whichever comes first. It promises potential savings of around 70% for frequent travellers and is available through the Rajmarg Yatra App and official government portals.
Many users mistakenly thought the new scheme included two-wheelers, but it is exclusively for four-wheelers. Bikes are not included in this scheme.
FASTag Annual Pass – How It Works
- Launch Date: 15 August 2025
- Eligibility: Private four-wheelers (cars, jeeps, vans)
- Validity: 200 crossings or 1 year (whichever comes first)
- Cost: ₹3,000 flat
- Savings: Up to ₹7,000 annually
- Available Through: Rajmarg Yatra App, NHAI, and MoRTH websites
Benefits & Impacts
For Users
- One-time payment avoids per-trip tolls
- Faster travel with fewer stops
- Convenient and transparent system
For Authorities
- Simplifies toll collection with technology
- Reduces congestion at toll plazas
- Improves data collection and planning
For the Economy
- Boosts digital infrastructure and e-governance
- Supports regional business and travel
Ongoing Road Infrastructure Achievements
Since Nitin Gadkari took charge in 2014, India’s national highway network has seen major growth:
- 2014: 91,287 km
- 2024: 146,195 km — an increase of nearly 60%
- High-speed corridors: Jumped from 93 km to 2,474 km
- Four-lane and above highways: Doubled to around 45,947 km
These achievements support the upcoming rollout of advanced tolling systems such as ANPR and FASTag barrier-free plazas.
What This Means for Two‑Wheeler Riders
- They remain completely exempt from highway tolls
- No need for FASTag or any pass
- No additional expenses for bikers
- Important to verify news from official sources only
Handling Fake News – A Broader Issue
This episode shows how fast false information can cause unnecessary panic. Union Minister Gadkari called out media platforms for spreading such rumors, urging responsible journalism.
Citizens are encouraged to verify any such news from official government handles like NHAI, PIB Fact Check, or MoRTH before reacting.
Conclusion
| Fact | Status |
|---|---|
| Two-wheelers paying toll? | ❌ False |
| Toll exemption continuing? | ✅ Confirmed |
| FASTag Annual Pass applies to bikes? | ❌ No |
| Launch date (Annual Pass)? | 15 August 2025 |
| Price | ₹3,000 for 200 plaza trips or one year |
In short: Ride on, bikers! 😊 There is no toll for two-wheelers, and no FASTag or pass is required. Meanwhile, four-wheeler users can enjoy cheaper and smoother highway travel from mid-August.
Report by Toofan Express