Photo Credit: dailyhunt.in
These days, frequent highway travellers have reason to rejoice. Starting August 15, 2025, the government is launching a new FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, offering up to 200 toll prepaid journeys on national highways and expressways. While the scheme promises ease and cost-savings, it comes with some exceptions that users should note.
How the Annual FASTag Pass Works & Its Benefits
This specially designed system targets non-commercial private vehicles—cars, jeeps, and vans. Valid for one year or 200 trips (whichever comes first), the pass allows toll-free access at all NHAI-managed national highways (NH) and national expressways (NE). After the annual limit is reached, regular FASTag pay-per-use mode kicks in.
The pass offers substantial savings—estimated up to 70% lower toll costs compared to single-use tolls—which often average ₹50–₹100 per crossing. A round trip may typically cost ₹100–200, but with the annual pass, per-trip cost could drop to as little as ₹15.
Activation is hassle-free via the Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI/MoRTH portals. If you already have a FASTag that meets eligibility criteria—valid vehicle registration, correctly affixed, and not blacklisted—you can activate your annual pass with a one-time payment of ₹3,000.
What Counts as a ‘Trip’?
On open toll plazas (point-based), each crossing counts as one trip, so a round journey equals two trips. On closed toll systems, which register entry and exit, a one-way journey counts as a single trip. Thus, commuters can plan travel to stay within the 200-trip annual limit.
Caveats: Not Valid on Certain Expressways & State Highways
It’s critical to note that the annual pass does not apply to state-managed expressways or roads under private BOT contracts. This includes major routes like UP’s Ganga Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, and Maharashtra’s Mumbai–Nagpur and Mumbai–Pune expressways. On these roads, FASTag will function under standard pay-per-use rules.
Latest Updates & Implementation Timeline
The scheme was formally announced on June 18 by Minister Nitin Gadkari. The pass goes live from August 15, with early adopters enjoying pre-fulfilment via existing FASTag infrastructure.
A user guide to unlocking the pass will soon be released. FAQs published by multiple outlets outline steps to purchase, validity criteria, and trip accounting, simplifying the user experience.
Why This Matters
This move brings transparency, speed, and cost predictability to highway travel. With nearly 53% of highway traffic from private vehicles but only 21% of toll revenue, the annual pass is designed to retain public trust while improving traffic flow at toll booths.
By enabling fewer transactions at toll plazas, travel time is expected to improve significantly—an exceptional advantage for daily commuters, long-distance travellers, and families on road trips.
Final Take
For drivers clocking frequent highway miles, the ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass presents a smart, budget-friendly option for 200 toll crossings or one year of travel. While its exclusion from select expressways requires extra attention, the benefits for NHAI-controlled roads are undeniable—offering speed, savings, and seamless commutes.
As August approaches, flyers to activate their subscription should prepare to embrace a more predictable and efficient tolling system. Travelers across India are encouraged to adopt this initiative for easier and faster highway journeys ahead.
