India Rolls Out Annual FASTag Pass for Streamlined Highway Travel
Major Announcement
India is set to introduce a FASTag-based annual pass, streamlining highway travel. The initiative, announced on June 18th, aims to provide a smoother, more cost-effective experience for drivers across the nation.
Key Details of the New Pass
The nation’s Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed the specifics of the new program. The FASTag annual pass will cost ₹3,000 and become active from August 15th, 2025. This pass will be valid for one year from activation, or up to 200 trips, whichever arrives first.
“In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass.”
—Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways
The new pass is exclusively designed for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. This will offer seamless and more affordable travel on National Highways throughout the country. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the average wait time at toll plazas can be up to 10 minutes during peak hours, which the new system aims to reduce.
How the Pass Works
Drivers can acquire or renew the pass through the Rajmarg Yatra App and official websites of NHAI and MoRTH. The switch to the new system will be easy for existing users, as they can transition with their current accounts. The previous plan for a lifetime FASTag, with a one-time payment of ₹30,000 for 15 years, has been canceled.
Addressing Toll Plaza Concerns
The annual pass aims to tackle concerns about toll plazas located within a 60 km radius. This aims to streamline payments, by using a single, affordable transaction. The objective is to offer faster, smoother travel for numerous private vehicle owners, by decreasing wait times, reducing congestion, and minimizing disputes at toll plazas.
Advanced Tolling System
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to implement an ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’. This system will be installed at some toll plazas initially. Decisions regarding its nationwide application will depend on its performance, efficiency, and user feedback.
The Ministry has clarified that there are no current plans to replace the FASTag system with satellite-based tolling by May 1st, 2025. All National Highway toll plazas operate on the ICD 2.5 protocol, providing real-time tag status, allowing users to recharge before crossing the toll plaza.
The advance tolling system uses high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, removing the need to stop at toll plazas. Vehicles will be charged automatically. Non-compliant vehicles will receive an E-Notice, with failure to pay leading to FASTag suspension and penalties via the VAHAN system.
