Mumbai: FASTag locals have now passed new rules for Mumbai motorists. Starting from November 1st, Mumbai motorists cannot use the new annual FASTag local pass to get through the Worli Sea Link and Atal Setu. From the 1st, eligible private vehicle owners living within 20 km of a designated National Highway toll plaza can pay Rs 1500 or RS 3,000 annually. The motorists will not be able to use the concession for journeys on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or Atal Setu.
The pass is not a citywide toll pass and does not automatically cover bridges that are operating under separate toll arrangements. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the National Highways fee rules 2008 to introduce the annual concession for eligible private vehicle owners. The pass will be valid only at the specific toll plaza for which it is issued, meaning motorists cannot use it across multiple toll points on their regular routes.
Why are Atal Setu & Worli Sea Link not covered in this new rule?
Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link have separate toll arrangements administered under their respective project frameworks. The new National Highway local-pass concession does not automatically extend to these routes. Motorists should check the official list of eligible toll plazas before purchasing the pass.
As a result, regular commuters using Atal Setu to travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai or the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to travel between the western suburbs and South Mumbai should not expect the new pass to reduce their toll charges on these bridges.
Who all are eligible & how much one can save with this?
The scheme is intended for owners of non-commercial vehicles with a valid and functional FASTag who live within 20 km of an eligible toll plaza. The annual fee is Rs 1,500 for an eligible plaza outside municipal or local town limits and Rs 3,000 for one within those limits. The existing monthly local pass costs Rs 360, amounting to Rs 4,320 for over 12 months. The annual option could therefore provide savings for motorists who regularly use an eligible toll plaza, with the actual benefit depending on the applicable fee and frequency of travel.