In a move aimed at simplifying toll payments and ensuring smoother highway travel, the central government on Wednesday introduced a new ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass for privately owned vehicles. The system will come into effect starting August 15, 2025, and is expected to benefit frequent travelers across India.
New Pass Valid for One Year or 200 Trips
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the initiative, stating that the pass will be valid for one year from the date of activation or until 200 toll trips are completed — whichever comes first. The scheme is applicable only to non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
Seamless Integration with Existing FASTag System
The annual pass will be integrated into the existing FASTag system, eliminating the need for separate toll arrangements. Activation and renewal can be done via the Rajmarg Yatra App, or through official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Objective: Reduce Congestion and Toll Plaza Delays
The initiative is designed to address long-standing complaints about delays at toll plazas, particularly those spaced around every 60 km. The goal is to minimize waiting times and ensure smoother traffic flow, making highway journeys faster and more efficient.
Gadkari called it a “revolutionary step towards hassle-free highway travel” in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
More Economical Than Existing Monthly Pass
Currently, a monthly FASTag pass for single toll plazas costs ₹340 per month or ₹4,080 per year. In contrast, the new ₹3,000 annual pass offers unlimited access to all toll plazas across India, making it more economical for regular long-distance travelers.
Revenue Tracking and Compensation Plan in Development
While the plan is expected to reduce costs for users, the ministry acknowledged potential challenges in toll revenue management. MORTH is working on a digital tracking-based compensation model to address losses faced by toll operators. An earlier proposal for a ₹30,000 lifetime FASTag pass has been scrapped in favor of the annual model.
A Milestone in Toll Modernization
With private vehicles making up 50% of toll traffic but contributing just one-sixth of toll revenue (₹55,000 crore in FY 2023–24), the new pass is being seen as a major policy step. It is part of a broader government effort to modernize toll systems and promote cashless, congestion-free travel across India’s national highways.