Karnataka’s commercial transport unions have pushed back against the Union Government’s new annual FASTag pass, which offers private vehicle owners 200 toll-free highway trips for ₹3,000 starting August 15, 2025. While the move aims to reduce toll burdens and promote digital payments, it excludes commercial vehicles—prompting sharp criticism from operators of taxis, trucks, buses, and goods carriers.
Calling the policy unjust, unions like the Karnataka State Travel Operators Association (KSTOA) and the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations argue that commercial vehicles are the primary highway users, often clocking hundreds of kilometers daily and incurring toll bills over ₹30,000 annually per vehicle.
“Private cars are occasional users. We’re on highways daily. If relief is the goal, it’s we who need it first,” said officials at KSTOA. A memorandum has been sent to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari seeking extension of the benefit to commercial vehicles.
Transporters fear small operators could go under without support, especially amid rising fuel and maintenance costs. The associations stress that they are vital to India’s logistics and public mobility and deserve equitable treatment in toll policies.
The Ministry has so far remained silent on extending the scheme to commercial vehicles. The toll pass—announced by Gadkari on June 18—will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra app and websites of NHAI and MoRTH. The government expects private car users to save up to ₹7,000 a year under the scheme.
