The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways announced a groundbreaking initiative on Wednesday, introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass designed to revolutionize highway travel for Indian commuters. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed the comprehensive toll payment solution, which will be available at Rs 3,000 per year, effective from August 15, 2025.
Key Features of the FASTag Annual Pass
The innovative Annual Pass system targets non-commercial private vehicles including cars, jeeps, and vans, offering unprecedented convenience for regular highway users. The pass remains valid for one full year from activation or up to 200 trips, whichever limit is reached first.
This initiative specifically addresses the concerns of commuters living within a 60-kilometre radius of toll plazas, who frequently face toll-related grievances due to repeated short-distance travel charges.
How to Obtain the FASTag Annual Pass
The Ministry has streamlined the acquisition process through multiple digital channels:
- Rajmarg Yatra mobile application
- Official NHAI website (National Highways Authority of India)
- Official MoRTH website (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
According to the announcement, a dedicated activation and renewal link will be released prior to the official launch date, ensuring seamless user access to the new system.
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
Expected Benefits and Impact of FASTag Annual Pass
Minister Gadkari emphasized that the FASTag Annual Pass system aims to simplify toll payments through a single upfront transaction, eliminating the need for repeated toll deductions throughout the year. The initiative addresses several critical issues:
The standardized access system is expected to significantly reduce congestion at toll plazas by eliminating frequent payment disputes and transaction delays.
By removing the need for repeated toll payments during short-distance travel, the system promises faster movement for private vehicles across India’s national highway network.
The policy directly tackles long-standing public concerns regarding frequent toll deductions, particularly for commuters making regular short trips near toll plazas.
Digital Infrastructure Modernization
This FASTag Annual Pass launch represents part of the government’s broader digitization efforts to modernize road infrastructure services. The initiative aligns with India’s push toward enhanced user convenience on the national highway grid while maintaining efficient toll collection systems.
The timing of the launch, coinciding with Independence Day 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to providing citizens with improved transportation infrastructure and services.
