Mettupatti Toll Plaza is an important toll collection point on National Highway 79 in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. It serves vehicles travelling between Salem, Ayothiapattinam, Vazhapadi, Attur, Kallakurichi and Ulundurpet.
The highway was formerly numbered NH 68. Therefore, older toll records, maps and road signs may still identify the route as the Salem–Ulundurpet section of NH 68.
The plaza is situated near Mettupatti village, east of Salem city. It handles private cars, buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles using one of the main road connections between Salem and northern Tamil Nadu.
Mettupatti Toll Plaza Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | Mettupatti Fee Plaza |
| Common name | Mettupatti Toll Plaza |
| Location | Near Mettupatti and Sodweswari Colony |
| Taluk | Vazhapadi |
| District | Salem |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Current highway number | NH 79 |
| Former highway number | NH 68 |
| Highway section | Salem–Ulundurpet |
| Toll-plaza chainage | Km 21.750 |
| Tollable distance | Approximately 45.452 km |
| Toll-plaza code | 58001 |
| Project type | BOT Toll project |
| Project configuration | Four-lane highway |
| Number of toll lanes | Ten |
| Commercial operation began | July 28, 2012 |
| Fee-rule category | National Highways Fee Rules, 1997 |
| Toll collection agency | SU Toll Road Private Limited |
| Main payment method | FASTag |
| Toll control room | 8130007205 |
| National Highway helpline | 1033 |
| Approximate coordinates | 11.6649, 78.3117 |
| Nearest police station | Vazhapadi Police Station |
Mettupatti Toll Plaza is located relatively close to the Salem end of the Salem–Ulundurpet highway. Travellers completing the entire route may also cross other toll plazas situated farther east.
Mettupatti Toll Plaza Rates
The following toll rates are applicable from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.
| Vehicle category | Single journey | Return journey | Monthly pass |
| Car, jeep or van | ₹65 | ₹100 | ₹1,975 |
| Light commercial vehicle or minibus | ₹115 | ₹175 | ₹3,460 |
| Bus or two-axle truck | ₹230 | ₹345 | ₹6,915 |
| Commercial vehicle with up to three axles | ₹370 | ₹555 | ₹11,115 |
| Four-to-six-axle vehicle | ₹370 | ₹555 | ₹11,115 |
| Heavy construction or earth-moving equipment | ₹370 | ₹555 | ₹11,115 |
| Vehicle with seven or more axles | ₹370 | ₹555 | ₹11,115 |
A car, jeep or van pays ₹65 for a single crossing. An eligible return journey costs ₹100 when both crossings are completed within the permitted period.
The monthly-pass amount in the table is the standard rate for the respective vehicle category. It is different from the concessional local monthly pass available to qualifying residents near the plaza.
The toll is scheduled for its next regular revision after August 31, 2026. Drivers travelling after that date should check the latest FASTag deduction or confirm the revised amount with the toll control room.
Single and Return-Journey Charges Explained
The single-journey charge applies when a vehicle crosses Mettupatti Toll Plaza once without using an eligible return concession.
For a car, jeep or van:
- One crossing costs ₹65.
- An eligible outward and return journey costs ₹100.
- The return rate is not ₹100 for each direction.
- The same active FASTag should be used during both crossings.
The FASTag system normally records the first transaction and applies the eligible return rate during the second crossing.
If the vehicle returns after the permitted validity period, the second crossing may be treated as another single journey. The vehicle could then be charged ₹65 again instead of receiving the discounted return rate.
Drivers should keep both FASTag transaction messages until the journey is complete.
Local Resident Monthly Pass
Concessional monthly passes may be available to eligible residents living close to Mettupatti Toll Plaza and using a privately owned car, jeep or van.
The published local monthly-pass rates are:
| Distance of residence from toll plaza | Monthly-pass charge |
| Within 10 kilometres | ₹150 |
| More than 10 km and within 20 kilometres | ₹300 |
These amounts are different from the standard ₹1,975 monthly pass for a car, jeep or van.
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Aadhaar card or another identity document
- Current residential-address proof
- Active FASTag linked to the vehicle
- Registered mobile number
- Passport-size photograph, where requested
- Application form issued by the toll office
The pass is normally linked to a particular resident, vehicle and FASTag. Owning a vehicle registered in Salem district does not automatically qualify the owner for the local concession.
The applicant’s residential distance from the toll plaza must be verified by the toll administration. Commercial vehicles may be governed by separate rules.
Address and Exact Location
The commonly used address is: Mettupatti Toll Plaza, Salem–Ulundurpettai Highway, NH 79, near Sodweswari Colony, Mettupatti, Salem District, Tamil Nadu 636106.
The approximate coordinates are:
- Latitude: 11.6649
- Longitude: 78.3117
Directions to Mettupatti Toll Plaza
1. From Salem
Travel east from Salem using NH 79 towards Ayothiapattinam, Vazhapadi, Attur and Ulundurpet.
Continue on the main highway through the Ayothiapattinam and Karipatti side. Follow the toll-lane signs while approaching Mettupatti.
The plaza is located before Vazhapadi when travelling from Salem towards Attur.
2. From Ayothiapattinam
Join NH 79 towards Vazhapadi and Attur. Continue east on the main highway without entering village-side service roads.
The toll plaza is reached near Mettupatti and Sodweswari Colony.
3. From Vazhapadi
Travel west on NH 79 towards Ayothiapattinam and Salem. Continue on the Salem-bound carriageway.
Follow the signs for Mettupatti Toll Plaza and select the appropriate FASTag lane before reaching the booths.
4. From Attur or Kallakurichi
Use NH 79 towards Vazhapadi and Salem. Continue west through the Salem–Ulundurpet highway section.
After passing the Vazhapadi side, remain on the main carriageway towards Mettupatti and Salem.
5. From Ulundurpet
Join NH 79 towards Kallakurichi, Attur, Vazhapadi and Salem.
Mettupatti is located near the Salem end of the highway section. Vehicles travelling the complete Ulundurpet–Salem route may cross additional toll plazas before reaching Mettupatti.
6. From Chennai
Travel towards Ulundurpet using the appropriate National Highway route. From Ulundurpet, join NH 79 towards Kallakurichi, Attur and Salem.
Continue towards Vazhapadi and Mettupatti. The total journey may involve several toll plazas, so Mettupatti’s ₹65 car charge should not be treated as the complete toll cost between Chennai and Salem.
FASTag and Payment Information
FASTag is the standard payment method at Mettupatti Toll Plaza. Before travelling, drivers should ensure that the tag:
- Is active and has sufficient balance
- Is properly attached to the windscreen
- Is linked to the correct registration number
- Shows the correct vehicle category
- Has completed the required KYC process
- Is not damaged, suspended or blacklisted
Maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead while entering the toll lane. Driving too close may interfere with the scanner and result in a failed or incorrect transaction.
Drivers should check the FASTag message after crossing. Incorrect deductions can be reported to the issuing bank or through the National Highway helpline.
FASTag Annual Pass
Eligible privately registered, non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans can use the NHAI FASTag Annual Pass at approved National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas.
The FASTag Annual Pass costs ₹3,075 for the 2026–27 financial year. It remains valid for one year or 200 toll-plaza crossings, whichever is completed first.
A crossing in one direction counts as one transaction. Therefore, travelling through Mettupatti Toll Plaza and returning through it normally counts as two crossings.
Before purchasing the annual pass, drivers should confirm that:
- Mettupatti Toll Plaza appears in the eligible-plaza list
- The vehicle is privately registered and non-commercial
- The FASTag is linked to the correct registration number
- The vehicle category is car, jeep or van
- The FASTag is active and KYC-compliant
The annual pass is linked to the existing FASTag and vehicle registration number. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
Emergency Services and Highway Facilities
Emergency and project-support contacts connected with Mettupatti Toll Plaza include:
| Service | Contact number |
| National Highway emergency assistance | 1033 |
| Toll control room | 8130007205 |
| Ambulance assistance | 9043782101 |
| Crane assistance | 9043782102 |
| Route-patrol assistance | 9361679100 |
| Vazhapadi Police Station | 04292-222231 |
Weighbridges are located close to the toll-plaza area on both sides of the highway. Published project information places them near Km 21.850 on one side and Km 21.660 on the opposite side.
No dedicated public rest area or truck lay-by is listed directly at the plaza. Drivers planning a long journey should use authorised fuel stations, restaurants or rest facilities along the Salem–Ulundurpet corridor.
Nearby medical facilities include government and primary health centres in the Salem and Karipatti areas.
Traffic and Safety Tips
The Salem–Ulundurpet highway carries regular passenger-bus, truck and private-vehicle traffic. Congestion may increase during morning and evening travel hours, weekends and festival holidays.
Traffic is often heavier during journeys towards Salem, Chennai, Kallakurichi and other major destinations.
Drivers should:
- Select the correct FASTag lane early
- Avoid sudden lane changes near the booths
- Maintain distance from buses and trucks
- Reduce speed during heavy rain
- Watch for motorcycles and local traffic near service-road connections
- Follow toll staff and highway-patrol instructions
Fog and poor visibility may affect parts of the route during early mornings. During monsoon weather, standing water can increase braking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the car toll at Mettupatti Toll Plaza?
A: A car, jeep or van pays ₹65 for a single journey. An eligible return journey costs ₹100.
Q2: Is ₹100 charged in each direction?
A: No. ₹100 is the total eligible return-journey rate. It covers the outward and return crossings when completed within the permitted period.
Q3: Is Mettupatti Toll Plaza on NH 79 or NH 68?
A: It is on present-day NH 79. Older records may identify the highway as NH 68, which was its former number.
Q4: Where is Mettupatti Toll Plaza located?
A: It is located near Mettupatti and Sodweswari Colony in Salem district, on the Salem–Ulundurpet highway.
Q5: How much is the standard monthly pass for a car?
A: The standard monthly pass for a car, jeep or van is ₹1,975 under the rates applicable up to August 31, 2026.
Q6: Is a local monthly pass available?
A: Eligible residents living within 10 kilometres may qualify for a ₹150 monthly pass. Those living more than 10 kilometres but within 20 kilometres may qualify for a ₹300 pass.
Q7: Are motorcycles charged at Mettupatti Toll Plaza?
A: Two-wheelers are generally exempt from National Highway user fees. Riders should use the designated passage and follow the signs displayed near the plaza.
Q8: Can the FASTag Annual Pass be used at Mettupatti?
A: Eligible private, non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans may use the annual pass if Mettupatti appears in the approved-plaza list on RajmargYatra.
Q9: What is the Mettupatti Toll Plaza contact number?
A: The published toll control-room number is 8130007205.
Q10: How can emergency assistance be requested?
A: Call 1033 for National Highway emergency support. Separate published numbers are also available for ambulance, crane and route-patrol assistance.
