The National Highway Authority of India has launched a digital 'local pass' feature on its Rajmargyatra app. Residents living within 20 km of a toll plaza can now secure monthly passes for ₹350 without visiting toll booths. This update aims to simplify travel for locals and reduce traffic congestion caused by manual verification under the new barrier-less tolling system.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a digital local pass facility on the Rajmargyatra mobile application. This initiative is designed to simplify the process for residents who live within a 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza, allowing them to travel through these points unlimited times for a fixed monthly fee of ₹350. This digital solution replaces the older method that required people to visit toll plazas in person to submit physical documents.
Digital Verification via VAHAN
To ensure security and accuracy, the new system uses the VAHAN database to verify the eligibility of applicants. The app cross-references the commuter’s address, vehicle registration details, and linked FASTag account automatically. By digitizing this verification, the NHAI intends to cut down the time required to issue passes from several days of manual processing to just a few minutes of online registration.
Impact of Barrier-less Tolling
This update is a strategic response to the introduction of Multi-lane Free Flow (MLFF) or barrier-less tolling. Under this system, RFID readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras automatically deduct tolls from vehicles as they pass through. While this technology improves traffic flow, it also caused challenges for local residents who previously enjoyed toll exemptions. Without an efficient way to update their status in the digital system, many locals were receiving incorrect e-notices for toll charges. This digital pass integration is intended to fix that issue by keeping the system updated with local vehicle data.
Nationwide Rollout Plans
The digital pass facility was first piloted at the Mundka-Bakkarwala toll plaza in Delhi, where the barrier-less tolling system has been active since May 2026. Following this initial rollout, the NHAI plans to expand the digital pass feature to other operational locations. The authority is gradually implementing barrier-less infrastructure at key sites, including Choryasi in Gujarat, Manoharpura and Daulatpura in Rajasthan, and Gharaunda in Haryana. Investors may track the speed of this national rollout, as it influences the overall operational efficiency and revenue collection accuracy of the highway network. The effectiveness of the Rajmargyatra app in handling high volumes of traffic without technical glitches will be a key factor in the long-term success of the barrier-less tolling transition.