In a significant move to streamline toll collection and provide cost-effective solutions for regular highway commuters, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced the launch of a FASTag Annual Pass. Starting August 15, 2025, this pass will allow eligible vehicle owners to make 200 toll-free trips annually on National Highways managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a fixed cost of ₹3,000.
This initiative is a part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure, reduce cash transactions at toll booths, and provide economic relief to citizens who frequently travel between cities and states.
What is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll package designed exclusively for private, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. By paying ₹3,000 annually, users can avail up to 200 toll transactions, regardless of distance or toll rates at individual plazas. This pass is a non-transferable digital product and will be linked directly to the registered FASTag of the vehicle.
Once the 200 trips are exhausted or the 1-year validity ends (whichever is earlier), users must either renew the annual pass or revert to the regular toll deduction model via FASTag recharge.
Key Features of the Pass
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 15, 2025 |
| Cost | ₹3,000 (inclusive of GST) |
| Validity | 200 toll crossings or 1 year, whichever first |
| Eligible Vehicles | Private vehicles only (non-commercial use) |
| Availability | Via Rajmarg Yatra App, NHAI, or MoRTH website |
| Coverage | Only NHAI-managed National Highways |
| Not Applicable On | State highways, municipal, or private toll roads |
How to Activate the FASTag Annual Pass
The activation process will be accessible from August 4, 2025, through the Rajmarg Yatra mobile application, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can also activate the pass by visiting the official NHAI or MoRTH websites.
Steps for Activation:
- Download or open the Rajmarg Yatra App.
- Navigate to the “FASTag Annual Pass” section.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and FASTag ID.
- Pay the fixed annual fee of ₹3,000 using UPI, credit/debit card, or net banking.
- Upon successful payment, your pass will be activated and linked with your FASTag.
Users will receive real-time SMS notifications for toll usage, balance status, and reminders for renewal once they approach the limit of 200 crossings or the expiry date.
Benefits of the FASTag Annual Pass
- Massive Cost Savings: Frequent travelers could potentially save over ₹7,000 annually, based on an average of ₹50 per toll crossing without the pass. With the pass, per-trip cost reduces to ₹15.
- Convenience & Time Saving: Eliminates the need for repeated FASTag recharges and speeds up toll plaza movement due to pre-paid clearance.
- Predictable Toll Expense: Especially beneficial for daily commuters, cab aggregators with private cars, and intercity travelers who desire a fixed yearly toll budget.
- Eco-Friendly Impact: Reduced congestion at toll booths contributes to lower vehicle idling and less air pollution.
Important Notes and Limitations
- The annual pass is valid only on National Highways managed by NHAI. It is not applicable at state or privately operated toll plazas.
- Commercial vehicles, transport trucks, and buses are not eligible for this pass.
- The 200 trips are calculated per toll crossing. A round trip will count as two toll transactions.
- Unused trips will not be carried over to the next year upon expiry of the pass.
Conclusion
The FASTag Annual Pass is a forward-thinking step by the Indian government to make toll payments more efficient, affordable, and commuter-friendly. With a flat fee of ₹3,000, this pass offers excellent value for frequent highway users and contributes to a smoother digital tolling experience across India. Interested vehicle owners are advised to register early and ensure their FASTag is active and linked correctly.
