In a significant move to simplify toll payments and enhance the travel experience on Indian highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the plan, highlighting that the scheme will roll out nationwide starting August 15, with an annual cost of ₹3,000. This step is aimed at ensuring hassle-free highway travel and promoting digital toll payments through FASTag.
What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The FASTag-based annual pass is a pre-paid toll subscription, priced at ₹3,000, that enables private vehicle owners to make up to 200 highway trips in a year, or until the pass expires—whichever comes first. The pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans.
FASTag एनुअल पास स्कीम से संबंधित जानकारी।#FASTagBasedAnnualPass #PragatiKaHighway pic.twitter.com/OvGHbtAEFG
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 18, 2025
According to Minister Gadkari, this system is a leap toward seamless and cost-effective travel across India’s National Highways.
Eligibility & Activation Process
MoRTH clarified that the annual pass can be activated on an existing FASTag, provided the following conditions are met:
- FASTag must be properly affixed to the windshield
- It should be linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)
- The FASTag must not be blacklisted
To activate or renew the annual pass, a dedicated link will soon be made available via the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as through official portals of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH.
Cost Per Trip: What Travelers Need to Know
Starting August 15, 2025, each toll plaza crossing under this annual pass will effectively cost an average of ₹15 per trip. Whether you’re commuting daily or traveling long distances, this pricing significantly reduces toll expenses compared to standard rates.
Each plaza crossing counts as one trip. A round trip (to and fro) is considered two trips, while closed tolling plazas (where there’s a distinct entry and exit point) count both together as a single trip.
Where Is the FASTag Annual Pass Valid?
The annual pass is valid only at fee plazas on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE). For toll plazas on State Highways, Expressways managed by state governments, or local bodies, the pass will not apply. In these cases, FASTag will operate as usual, and standard toll charges will apply.
Key Benefits of the FASTag Annual Pass
- ✅ Seamless travel with fewer stops at toll booths
- ✅ Minimizes congestion and reduces wait times
- ✅ Eliminates frequent transactions for regular travelers
- ✅ Addresses toll disputes and provides a smoother experience
- ✅ Saves money for frequent users of National Highways
- ✅ Convenient digital management through the Rajmarg Yatra App
Gadkari emphasized that the initiative addresses persistent public grievances, especially concerning toll plazas located within a 60 km radius, and consolidates toll transactions into a single, affordable, and easy-to-manage solution.
Read also: All About Google’s Safety Charter India
Who Should NOT Use the Annual Pass?
The pass is strictly for private, non-commercial vehicles. Attempting to use it with any commercial vehicle will result in immediate deactivation without notice, the Ministry warned.
Can You Re-purchase the Annual Pass Before One Year?
Yes. If a user exhausts the 200-trip limit before the one-year validity ends, they can purchase a new annual pass immediately. This flexibility allows heavy highway users to maintain uninterrupted travel without waiting for the calendar year to reset.
Is the FASTag Annual Pass Mandatory?
No. The Ministry clarified that the annual pass is optional. All users who prefer traditional FASTag toll payments can continue to use the existing system without any changes. The current FASTag ecosystem will remain operational, and the new pass simply offers an alternative for frequent travelers.
How to Get Started: Quick Activation Guide
Here’s a simplified overview to help users activate their FASTag Annual Pass:
- Ensure your vehicle’s FASTag is valid and properly installed.
- Download or access the Rajmarg Yatra App or visit NHAI/MoRTH’s websites.
- Use the dedicated link to activate or renew your annual pass.
- Complete payment and enjoy uninterrupted toll-free travel for up to 200 trips.
The introduction of the FASTag-based annual pass marks a transformative shift in highway commuting across India. With rising fuel prices and long travel hours, this initiative not only reduces toll costs but also ensures effortless digital payment experiences. For daily highway commuters, it presents a budget-friendly and time-saving alternative that can significantly enhance travel quality.
As the system launches this Independence Day, Indian highway users have every reason to celebrate this forward-looking initiative.
