Paying tolls is usually mandatory when traveling on national highways. However, certain people and vehicles are exempt from tolls, while others may receive concessional passes.
Who is Exempt from Toll Charges?
Constitutional, Public, and Government Officials
The following individuals do not have to pay tolls:
President of India
Vice President
Prime Minister
Governor
Chief Justice of India
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Union Cabinet Ministers
Chief Ministers of States
Supreme Court Justices
Union Ministers of State
Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies / Chairmen of Councils
Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts
Members of Parliament (MPs)
Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Legislative Council (MLCs) in their respective states with valid ID
Senior Government and Defense Officials
Chief of the Army Staff (Full General rank or equivalent)
Army Commanders and equivalent ranks, including Vice Chief of Army Staff
Chief Secretary of the State (within the same state)
Secretary to the Government of India
Secretaries of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Defense, Emergency, and Special Categories
Foreign guests on state visits
Recipients of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, or Shaurya Chakra (with certified photo ID)
Ministry of Defence vehicles exempted by law
Central and State Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and Police (in uniform)
Executive Magistrates
Fire brigade and fire service vehicles
Public Service Vehicles
Vehicles of NHAI or other government agencies involved in highway inspection, survey, construction, operation, or maintenance
Ambulances and hearses
Special vehicles designed for persons with disabilities
Who Can Get Toll Discounts?
Some travelers can receive a reduction in toll charges if they meet certain conditions:
Monthly Pass for Local Residents
Applies to private (non-commercial) vehicles
Owner must reside within 20 km of the toll plaza
Vehicle should use the same route for daily commute
Journey must not continue beyond the next toll plaza
Monthly fee: Rs 150 (base rate, may be revised)
Not available if a service road or alternative route exists
District-Level Concessions
Applies to private vehicles registered in the district (excluding national permit vehicles)
National highways, bridges, bypasses, or tunnels must be located in the same district
Only 50% of the prescribed toll fee is charged at all toll plazas within the district
Not applicable if a service road or alternative route exists
When Toll is Not Charged
Vehicles using only a portion of the highway without crossing a toll plaza do not require a pass or pay any toll fee.
If you want, I can also make a shorter, super-easy-to-read version with a table for exemptions and discounts. It will make it instantly clear who pays, who doesn’t, and who gets concessions.
