Frequently, BKU factions (such as BKU Ugrahan, BKU Sidhupur, etc.) have officially declared certain toll plazas "free" for passage during prolonged protests.
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For a farmer in Punjab to utilize a BKU card at a toll plaza, the process usually follows a specific pattern:
Vehicles carrying BKU flags, stickers, or driven by individuals displaying BKU identity cards are frequently recognized by toll workers. To avoid friction or operational delays during tense periods, operators have occasionally waived fees for these vehicles on an ad-hoc basis. However, this is a matter of situational tolerance rather than an established law. Official NHAI Toll Exemption Rules
Coordinate large-scale movements, such as the historic 2020-2021 farm law protests.
However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state transport authorities have drawn a distinction between political movement solidarity and statutory law. Under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, specific categories of vehicles are exempt from paying tolls. These primarily include:
To be eligible for the Bhartiya Kisan Union ID card, farmers must meet certain criteria, including:
Exemptions are typically reserved for specific high-ranking government officials, emergency vehicles, and military personnel. Union IDs: Neither the BKU nor other major bodies like the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) have legal authority to issue IDs for toll-free passage.
During times of heightened agrarian protests, local union leaders occasionally negotiate temporary, informal understandings with specific toll plaza operators to avoid disruptions. These are localized management decisions to maintain order, not statutory rights.
In a bid to provide relief to farmers in Punjab, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) has introduced a toll plaza ID card that allows farmers to pass through toll plazas for free. This initiative, which is a collaboration between the BKU and the Punjab government, aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers who frequently travel to markets and other destinations via toll roads.
The viral claim associated with this card is that
While researching this topic, one might also stumble upon mentions of "Punjab free first ID card." It is crucial to clarify that these stories refer to the , not the Indian Punjab. In 2025, the government of Pakistan's Punjab province announced a scheme to provide first National Identity Cards for free. Similarly, discussions of "Kisan Cards" in budget allocations refer to schemes in Pakistan or digital ID missions in India, which are unrelated to toll plaza passage.
Despite the lack of official legal backing, toll plaza operators in Punjab and neighboring states often allow vehicles displaying BKU ID cards or union flags to pass without paying.
Free passage is usually arranged during organized protests. It is not generally applicable to daily commute without a union-led initiative.
Standard BKU ID cards are meant for organizational identification, not for official toll exemption. Official exemptions are typically reserved for emergency vehicles, specific government officials, and local residents within 20km. Protest Tactics:
| Aspect | Truth | | :--- | :--- | | | ❌ No. It is a myth. | | Card Cost? | ₹50 – ₹200 (minimal fee, not entirely free). | | Punjab Availability? | ✅ Yes. Available through district offices. | | Official Benefits? | ✅ Legal aid, insurance, market support. | | Scam Risk? | ⚠️ High. Avoid online applications. |