Image Source: Social Media
In a major move aimed at simplifying toll payments and enhancing highway travel convenience, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially unveiled a new FASTag-based annual pass. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari made the announcement on social media platform X, confirming the launch of this long-awaited toll policy reform. The initiative is expected to transform the travel experience on national highways, particularly for private vehicle owners.
What is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The newly introduced FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll payment system specifically designed for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Vehicle owners can purchase an annual pass for ₹3,000, which offers up to 200 toll plaza journeys or is valid for a year, whichever comes first.
This pass will be made available starting August 15, 2025, and is aimed at reducing the inconvenience of frequent recharges and long waits at toll booths. By offering a simplified payment system, the government hopes to streamline traffic and reduce congestion across India’s national highways.
Who is Eligible?
The annual pass is exclusively for private vehicles and non-commercial vehicles. This includes:
- Cars
- Jeeps
- Vans
Commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are not covered under this policy. The pass will be applicable only on national highways (NH) across the country.
How to Get the FASTag Annual Pass
To make the process user-friendly, the government is setting up a dedicated portal for registration and activation. Soon, a unique URL will be available on the Highway Travel App and the official NHAI and MoRTH websites. Users can visit this link to apply for the pass or renew it once they exhaust the 200-trip limit or complete the one-year period.
Image Source: Social Media
Key Features at a Glance
- Launch Date: August 15, 2025
- Price: ₹3,000 (one-time annual fee)
- Validity: 1 year or 200 trips (whichever comes first)
- Eligible Vehicles: Only private (non-commercial) vehicles
- Availability: Using NHAI / MoRTH websites and the Highway Travel App
- Benefits: Reduced toll booth wait times, less recharge needs, and an easier journey
Expected Benefits
The FASTag Annual Pass is expected to bring multiple advantages to users:
- Reduced waiting time at toll plazas
- One yearly transaction for a smooth toll payment
- Minimized disputes related to toll charges
- Less congestion on national highways
- Convenience for frequent travelers, especially daily commuters
Moreover, this initiative is seen as a strategic response to the issues faced by commuters living near toll plazas, especially those within a 60-kilometer radius, who often raised concerns over frequent toll payments.
Conclusion
The introduction of the FASTag Annual Pass is a significant step toward a more efficient, digitized, and commuter-friendly highway travel system. With its rollout scheduled for August 15, 2025, private vehicle owners now have an opportunity to save time, reduce hassle, and enjoy a more seamless driving experience across India's vast network of national highways.
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