New FASTag annual pass: Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has announced the introduction of a FASTag-based Annual Pass for hassle-free highway travel in India.
Making the announcement on X, the Union Minister posted: “In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first—this pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
The Annual Pass will enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country. A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App as well as on the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH.
This policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimizing disputes at toll plazas, the Annual Pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners.”
Here’s a breakdown of what it is and how to get it:
What is the FASTag-based Annual Pass?
Purpose: It’s designed to simplify toll payments and provide cost-effective travel across National Highways for owners of non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans). It addresses concerns about frequent toll payments, especially for plazas within a 60 km range.
Price: ₹3,000
Effective Date: August 15, 2025
Validity: One year from the date of activation OR up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
Trip Counting:
For “open tolling” (point-based), each direction (inbound/outbound) counts as one trip.
For “closed tolling” (entry and exit points), a full journey (entry + exit) counts as one trip.
Eligible Vehicles: Exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. It is not applicable to commercial vehicles.
Coverage: Valid only at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas managed by NHAI. It will not apply to tolls on state highways or other expressways managed by state or local authorities, where your FASTag will function as a regular tag and applicable tolls will be deducted.
Benefits:
Cost Savings: For frequent travelers, it can lead to significant savings compared to paying per trip. For example, 200 trips at an average of ₹15 per toll crossing (based on the ₹3,000 pass) can save you a substantial amount if your usual per-trip toll is higher.
Seamless Travel: Reduces wait times, eases congestion, and minimizes disputes at toll plazas by allowing a single, affordable transaction.
Convenience: Simplifies toll payments through a one-time annual payment.
How to Get the FASTag-based Annual Pass:
Availability: A dedicated link for activation and renewal will be made available on:
- The Rajmarg Yatra App
- The official website of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)
- The official website of MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
Existing FASTag: You do not need to purchase a new FASTag. The Annual Pass can be activated on your existing FASTag, provided it meets eligibility criteria (properly affixed, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number, not blacklisted, etc.).
Important points to remember:
- The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered.
- If your FASTag is registered only with a chassis number, you must update it with the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) to activate the Annual Pass.
- Once the 200 trips limit or one year validity is exceeded, your FASTag will revert to a regular FASTag, and you will need to reactivate/repurchase the Annual Pass to continue receiving its benefits.
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