FASTag Annual Pass- In a move set to ease the financial burden on highway commuters and reduce congestion at toll plazas, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (June 18) announced a new FASTag-based annual pass scheme. This initiative, which will officially roll out on August 15, 2025, is expected to revolutionize the way private vehicles pay tolls across India’s national highways.
What Is the New FASTag Annual Pass?
The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll solution that allows users of non-commercial private vehicles — such as cars, jeeps, and vans — to travel through 200 toll plazas on national highways and expressways in a year for a flat fee of ₹3,000.
Earlier, making 200 trips would have cost a commuter nearly ₹10,000. With this pass, the average cost per trip drops to ₹15, compared to the current average toll of ₹50 per crossing.
“This will enable people to travel on a very large scale without worrying about multiple toll deductions. With just ₹3,000, a commuter can cross 200 toll plazas in a year,” said Nitin Gadkari at the announcement.
Launch Date and Coverage
The scheme of FASTag annual pass will go live on August 15, 2025, and will be valid only on National Highways and Expressways that fall under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
For tolls under state highways or local authorities, the FASTag will continue to operate as usual, and normal toll rates will apply.
The annual pass is valid for 200 toll plaza crossings or one year from activation — whichever comes first. Users can re-purchase the pass once the 200-trip limit is exhausted, even before the year ends.
Who Can Apply?
The pass is only for non-commercial private vehicles, including:
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Cars
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Jeeps
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Vans
Commercial, goods, and freight vehicles are not eligible. Gadkari clarified this during the announcement, saying the scheme is designed for everyday private users — particularly those who commute long distances daily or weekly.
How to Get and Activate the Annual FASTag
If you already have a FASTag properly affixed to your car and it is linked to your valid vehicle registration (and is not blacklisted), you don’t need to buy a new one.
A special link for activation and renewal of the annual pass will be made available soon via:
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NHAI Official Website
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MoRTH Website
The process will be fully digital, and activation can be done within minutes once the portal is live.
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Savings at a Glance
Let’s break down the potential benefits of the scheme:
| Category | Before Annual Pass | With Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Total Annual Toll (200 trips) | ₹10,000+ | ₹3,000 |
| Average Per Trip Cost | ₹50 | ₹15 |
| Total Estimated Savings | ₹7,000+ | ✅ |
These figures are especially meaningful for those who frequently travel for work, family, or education, and face repeat toll charges within short stretches.
Important Rules to Remember in New FASTag Annual Pass
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Each one-way crossing at a toll plaza counts as 1 trip. A round-trip will count as 2 trips.
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On closed-loop highways like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one full entry-exit trip counts as a single trip.
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On open toll systems, each toll crossing will count separately.
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The pass is optional, not mandatory — regular toll payments via FASTag will continue for those who choose not to opt into the plan.
Why It Matters
The new scheme aims to solve a few key concerns raised by regular highway users:
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Multiple toll plazas within short distances (sometimes even less than 60 km)
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Rising cost of commuting on national highways
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Delays and traffic congestion caused by toll booth queues
According to the government, over 10.1 crore FASTags have been issued as of December 2024. With such a large base, this annual pass is expected to help millions of daily and weekly commuters — while improving traffic flow and toll plaza efficiency nationwide.
“We’re solving two problems at once — reducing the cost for citizens and reducing congestion at toll plazas. It’s a step towards smoother, faster, and more transparent highway travel,” said Gadkari.
Final Word
For private vehicle owners who often hit the highways, the FASTag Annual Pass at ₹3,000 is a welcome announcement. It promises real savings, a smoother ride, and fewer arguments at toll gates. With a smart digital rollout and clear usage caps, the plan could reshape toll payments — making intercity travel more affordable and less frustrating.
As the August 15 launch nears, highway users should check their FASTag details and be ready to activate the pass when the links go live. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or a weekend road-tripper, this could be a game-changer.
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