In a landmark step toward smoother and more cost-efficient highway travel in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially announced the rollout of a FASTag-based Annual Toll Pass for private vehicle users.
Set to launch on Independence Day (August 15, 2025), this new system offers up to 200 toll plaza crossings per year for a flat fee of ₹3,000.
The move is expected to drastically reduce travel costs for frequent commuters while easing congestion and digitizing toll payments further across the country’s growing network of national highways.
What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The new pass is a prepaid, one-time annual digital subscription that allows eligible private vehicles to cross up to 200 toll plazas on national highways and expressways managed by NHAI without paying per trip.
At just ₹3,000, it simplifies toll collection and saves an average of ₹7,000 per vehicle per year, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who described the scheme as a “game-changer” for middle-class and regular highway users.
Unlike traditional monthly toll passes, this plan is more affordable, centralized, and doesn’t require users to show address proof at toll booths.
Who Can Use the Annual Pass?
This scheme is strictly for private, non-commercial four-wheelers such as:
-Cars
-Jeeps
-Vans
Not eligible:
-Commercial vehicles
-Buses or heavy trucks
-Any FASTag linked only to the chassis number (instead of the full vehicle registration number)
In short, only FASTags that are linked to a valid vehicle registration number (VRN) are eligible. This is to ensure fair use and prevent misuse or multiple activations.
How to Activate It
The FASTag Annual Pass can be activated via these official platforms:
1. Rajmarg Yatra App (available on Android & iOS)
2. NHAI’s website
3. Other authorized digital portals connected with NHAI
Step-by-step Activation:
- Open the Rajmarg Yatra App
- Choose the “FASTag Annual Pass” option
- Enter your vehicle registration details
- Pay ₹3,000 using UPI, card, or net banking
Receive confirmation within 2 hours
You don’t need to change your existing FASTag—this plan works on top of your current setup. Once activated, your tolls are automatically covered for the first 200 eligible trips or one year, whichever comes first.
Where It’s Accepted
All National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) managed by NHAI
NOT valid on:
-State highways
-Private roads
-Parking lots
-Urban tollways managed by municipal or local authorities
Always check the list of applicable toll plazas via the app before assuming coverage, especially in rural or state-managed areas.
How Are Trips Counted?
FASTag systems distinguish between open and closed toll plazas.
Open Toll Plaza: Each crossing (entry/exit) counts as 1 trip. So a round trip = 2.
Closed Toll Plaza (e.g., expressways like Delhi-Mumbai): The entire journey counts as 1 trip, regardless of toll booths crossed in between.
If you exceed the 200-trip limit, the system will automatically switch to normal per-trip charges unless renewed.
Cost & Savings
Item Value
Annual Cost ₹3,000
Maximum Trips Covered 200 toll crossings
Average Savings ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 per year
Monthly Toll Equivalent ₹250 (vs ₹340 for current passes)
Minister Gadkari explained that the annual pass is particularly helpful for commuters who:
-Regularly use the same highways
-Travel long distances for work or business
-Don’t have easy access to monthly passes due to proof/address issues
This pass also removes the need to track toll deductions, ensuring more seamless travel.
Rules and Guidelines You Must Know
1. Non-transferable: One pass = one car only.
2. Chassis-only FASTags are not allowed. Your FASTag must be linked to the vehicle registration number.
3. Once activated, refunds are not applicable even if you use fewer than 200 trips.
4. Misuse (like trying to use it on multiple vehicles) will lead to suspension or cancellation.
5. Expired or deactivated FASTags are not eligible.
If you’re unsure, check eligibility via the Rajmarg Yatra app or call the NHAI helpline 1033 for clarification.
Why This Matters for Travelers
This scheme isn’t just about saving money — it represents a deeper shift toward:
- Digital-first infrastructure
- Reduced toll plaza wait times
- Lower carbon emissions due to less vehicle idling
- Simplified commuter planning
As India moves toward smart mobility and electric highways, this FASTag upgrade could be the foundation for even broader road reforms in the years ahead.
What to Watch For Next
The government is planning real-time toll usage tracking, integrated navigation for low-toll routes, and eventually dynamic pricing models based on time of day or congestion.
Industry experts believe this annual pass could become mandatory for fleet vehicles or even expand to state-managed toll roads in the near future.
References
- Times of India
- Economic Times
- IndiaTimes
- Rajmarg Yatra App (Govt. of India)
