Great News for Highway Travelers: Govt Introduces Rs 3,000 FAS Tag Annual Pass for Private Vehicles

In a major step aimed at simplifying travel and reducing costs for regular commuters on India’s highways, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday unveiled a new FASTag-based Annual Pass for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.

Priced at just ₹3,000, the pass will allow users to make up to 200 toll plaza trips in a year, starting from August 15, 2025, offering a hassle-free and cost-effective alternative to individual toll payments.

What the New Pass Offers

• Valid for 1 year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
• Each pass is linked to the FASTag already installed on private vehicles.
• It is applicable nationwide across National Highways operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
• Single toll plaza entry counts as one trip—ideal for frequent travelers on fixed routes.

Convenient Activation & Renewal

Minister Gadkari said the initiative was part of the government’s effort to provide “transformative ease of travel” on Indian highways. The pass can be activated through a dedicated portal that will be launched soon on:

• The Rajmarg Yatra App
• The official websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Why It’s a Boon for Regular Travelers

For those who use highways frequently—commuters, small business owners, and families who travel often—this initiative can significantly reduce toll expenses while eliminating the inconvenience of repeated toll deductions or recharges.

It’s especially beneficial for those living in or around urban-rural corridors, where toll plazas are often located within 60-kilometre stretches, sometimes adding up to a large monthly expenditure.

“This annual pass resolves long-standing concerns about tolls for short-distance travelers and those within 60 km of a plaza.

It ensures uniform, upfront payment and reduces disputes, waiting times, and traffic congestion,” Gadkari said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

What is FASTag and How It Works

FASTag, the digital toll payment system, is powered by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When a vehicle equipped with a FASTag crosses a toll plaza, the scanner reads the tag and automatically deducts the toll amount from a linked bank account or digital wallet—completely contactless and cashless.

The system is operated under the oversight of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and NHAI. It has already been made mandatory for all private and commercial vehicles on national highways.

A Welcome Step for Millions

For overburdened commuters and frequent travelers, this one-time ₹3,000 annual fee provides both financial relief and time savings, while also aligning with India’s broader push for digital and green mobility.

With smoother traffic flow, fewer queues, and no monthly toll deductions to track, the FASTag Annual Pass marks a positive shift toward smart, commuter-friendly transport infrastructure.