What is the FASTag Annual Pass? the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a new FASTag Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, covering toll payments for up to 12 months. Announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the pass is exclusively for non-commercial vehicles such as private cars, jeeps, and vans. It will be available starting 15 August 2025 and will remain valid for one year or 200 toll plaza trips on national highways, whichever comes first. the initiative aims to simplify toll payments for frequent travellers, offering both cost-effective and time-saving benefits.
Benefits and Cost Savings The new annual pass offers substantial savings for frequent highway travellers, bringing the average cost per trip down to around ₹15, compared to the usual ₹50–₹100. This could translate to annual savings of up to ₹7,000 for regular users of national highways. The pass is valid on both open tolling systems (e.g., Delhi–Chandigarh) and closed toll systems (e.g., Delhi–Mumbai Expressway), where one entry-to-exit journey counts as a single trip. According to The Hindu, the Union government has amended Rule 9 of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, to enable this provision. “This policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimizing disputes at toll plazas, the Annual Pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners,” the press statement issued by the Ministry said. Activation and Usage. To activate the pass, users can use the Rajmarg Yatra App, NHAI’s official website, or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal. There is no need to purchase a new FASTag, as the pass works with existing tags that are properly linked to a registered vehicle with valid KYC. Once the 200-trip limit is exhausted or the one-year period ends, the FASTag automatically reverts to regular toll payments. Users can then renew the annual pass as needed. This initiative is part of NHAI's digital transformation efforts to enhance tolling efficiency across India.