In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, the central government has introduced a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips whichever comes first, this pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.

In a post on X, Mr. Gadkari said the pass is valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. The pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.

Important Announcement 📢

🔹In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes…

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 18, 2025

Here’s everything you need to know about the new policy:

What Is the FASTag Annual Pass and How Much Does It Cost?

The newly announced Annual Pass will cost users ₹3,000 and is valid for one year from the date of activation or 200 trips, whichever comes first. It is exclusively meant for private, non-commercial vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans.

The Annual Pass will enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country. A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App as well as on the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH.

This fixed-price model will significantly benefit frequent travelers who often find themselves navigating multiple toll plazas during their intercity commutes.

How Can Users Activate or Renew the Annual Pass?

To ensure smooth access, the government will soon enable activation and renewal of the annual pass through a dedicated section on the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as via the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

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.

Why Was This Pass Introduced?

The FASTag Annual Pass directly addresses long-standing issues related to toll plazas placed within 60 km of each other, a concern raised frequently by daily commuters. According to Gadkari, the pass will consolidate toll payments into one simple and affordable transaction, eliminating the need for repetitive payments at short intervals.

“By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas, the annual Pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners, ” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

How Will the Pass Improve the Travel Experience?

The key objectives of the Annual Pass include:

1. Reduced queuing times at toll plazas

2. Less traffic congestion on National Highways

3. Minimized toll disputes between users and toll operators

4. Streamlined digital payment system via FASTag

5. By offering unlimited convenience and quicker transit, the pass is designed to transform highway travel for millions of private vehicle owners.

Where Will the Pass Be Applicable?

1. The Annual Pass will be applicable across all National Highways in India, including both closed tolling systems and open tolling systems.

2. On closed tolling highways (e.g., Delhi-Mumbai Expressway), each trip is calculated from entry to exit.

3. On open tolling highways (e.g., Delhi-Chandigarh), each toll crossing is counted as a separate trip.

4. This structure ensures that the pass remains flexible and transparent for different types of routes.

What About Existing FASTag Users?

Current FASTag users won’t need to go through additional verification or documentation. The transition to the Annual Pass will be seamless using their existing FASTag accounts.

This new policy also replaces the previously proposed lifetime FASTag model, which required a one-time payment of ₹30,000 for 15 years. That model was scrapped due to limited adoption and user inconvenience.

What Is FASTag and How Has It Worked Until Now?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system operated by NHAI. Introduced in 2016, it uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct toll charges from a linked bank account or wallet. It became mandatory for all four-wheelers from February 15, 2021.

Until now, FASTag users paid tolls based on vehicle movement through each plaza. The cost varied depending on the number and type of toll gates passed.

The FASTag Annual Pass is a transformative policy designed to ease financial and logistical burdens for frequent travelers. As Gadkari put it, this is a “hassle-free, faster, and smoother travel experience” initiative meant to empower everyday highway users with predictable and fair tolling.

With streamlined activation, reduced travel time, and clear savings for commuters, the FASTag-based Annual Pass is poised to change the way India drives on its highways.