In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize highway travel in India, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the launch of a FASTag-based Annual Pass for non-commercial private vehicles. Effective from 15th August 2025, this initiative aims to ease travel, reduce toll-related hassles, and enhance overall road efficiency.
Table of contents
FASTag-Based Annual Pass: Key Highlights
- Launch Date: 15th August 2025
- Cost: ₹3,000 per year
- Eligibility: Private, non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans)
- Usage Limit: Valid for one year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first
- Activation: Available via Rajmarg Yatra App and official websites of NHAI and MoRTH
This pass is a direct response to persistent public grievances about frequent toll payments, particularly for short distances and intra-city commutes.
A Transformative Step for National Highway Travel
The Annual Pass promises to change the way Indians commute on National Highways, ensuring cost-effective, time-efficient, and hassle-free travel. By integrating this pass with the existing FASTag system, the government aims to create a seamless digital toll ecosystem.
Simplified Toll Payments
No more scrambling for change or dealing with inconsistent toll rates. The new system allows for a single annual payment, streamlining the process and avoiding repeated deductions at every toll plaza.
Addresses 60 km Toll Plaza Concern
One of the most significant public issues has been toll plazas located within 60 kilometers of city limits or each other. The Annual Pass provides a convenient workaround, especially for daily commuters, ensuring they are not unfairly charged multiple times for short travel distances.
Advantages of the FASTag-Based Annual Pass
1. Cost Savings
For frequent travelers, ₹3,000 annually is far cheaper than paying tolls on every trip. This is especially beneficial for those who commute regularly for work or family purposes.
2. Time Efficiency
By minimizing interactions at toll booths and reducing queues, the Annual Pass helps cut down travel time, particularly during peak hours or holiday seasons.
3. Reduced Congestion at Toll Plazas
With pre-paid access, vehicles can move faster through toll gates, easing traffic congestion at major chokepoints across India’s extensive highway network.
4. Increased Transparency
All deductions, trips, and usage limits will be tracked via the Rajmarg Yatra App, offering travelers real-time visibility into their toll usage and remaining trips.
5. Enhanced Road Safety
Faster toll processing reduces the chances of vehicle collisions and long idle times, contributing to a safer driving environment on highways.
Government’s Vision for Highway Modernization
The Annual Pass is in line with the government’s broader goal to digitize and decongest national highways. It reflects the commitment to:
- Boost infrastructure efficiency
- Encourage digital adoption
- Facilitate citizen-centric transportation reforms
With this move, India is taking a significant step toward smart mobility and aligning with global standards for highway toll management.
How to Activate the Annual Pass
- Download the Rajmarg Yatra App (available on Android & iOS).
- Login or register using vehicle details and FASTag account.
- Navigate to the “Annual Pass” section.
- Pay ₹3,000 via UPI, net banking, or debit card.
- Activation is instant and linked to your existing FASTag.
The same process will be available on the official NHAI and MoRTH websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible for the Annual Pass?
A: Only non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans are eligible.
Q2: What happens if I exceed 200 trips in a year?
A: After 200 trips, standard toll charges will apply unless a new Annual Pass is purchased.
Q3: Is the pass valid on all national highways?
A: Yes, the pass is valid across the entire National Highway network of India.
Q4: Can I transfer the pass to another vehicle?
A: No, the pass is vehicle-specific and linked to the registered FASTag.
Q5: Where can I track usage and renew my pass?
A: Through the Rajmarg Yatra App, NHAI, or MoRTH official websites.
Q6: What if my FASTag balance is low?
A: The Annual Pass operates independently of your balance for covered trips. For any additional travel after 200 trips, your regular FASTag balance will be used.
Q7: Will this work for inter-state travel?
A: Yes, as long as the travel is on national highways, regardless of the state.
Conclusion
The ₹3,000 FASTag-based Annual Pass is more than a convenience—it’s a visionary step toward transforming how India experiences its highways. By offering affordability, efficiency, and transparency, the initiative sets a new benchmark in road transport and traveler satisfaction.
As India continues to modernize its infrastructure, such citizen-focused reforms are critical for building a smarter, faster, and more inclusive transportation ecosystem.