The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, led by Nitin Gadkari, has announced a new FASTag Annual Pass scheme, bringing a major change to how private vehicle owners can manage toll payments. Starting August 15, 2025, the new plan offers motorists the convenience of a one-time recharge that covers up to 200 trips or 12 months, whichever comes first. Here’s a detailed look at the features, pricing, activation process, and validity of this new FASTag pass.
The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll payment option designed specifically for private, non-commercial vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans. Under this scheme, vehicle owners can pay a minimum of ₹3,000 to cover unlimited toll usage for up to 200 trips or for one full year, whichever comes earlier.
This initiative aims to reduce congestion and delays at toll plazas by encouraging seamless digital transactions and reducing the need for repeated top-ups.
One of the key things to know is that the new FASTag Annual Pass is not mandatory. It is simply an optional scheme designed to improve convenience and reduce toll plaza waiting times.
Drivers who choose not to opt for the Annual Pass can continue using their FASTag as usual, paying toll charges based on the existing rates at each toll booth.
The minimum cost of the FASTag Annual Pass is ₹3,000. This payment covers:
200 single journeys through toll plazas
OR one year of validity, whichever condition is met first
Once a motorist completes 200 trips, the pass expires even if the 12-month period hasn’t ended. In that case, they can immediately recharge and purchase a fresh annual pass.
The pass is valid only for the vehicle for which it is purchased.
It is non-transferable to other vehicles.
In closed toll systems, one full trip (entry + exit) counts as a single trip.
In open toll plazas, each crossing counts as one trip; return trips are counted separately.
Additionally, the Ministry has announced that pass fees will be reviewed every year. Any revised pricing will take effect on April 1 of the financial year.
Activating the FASTag Annual Pass is a straightforward process:
Verify Eligibility: The vehicle must be private (non-commercial), with a FASTag linked to its correct registration number. The tag should be active and not blacklisted.
Apply Online: Visit the NHAI website or use the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
Make Payment: Pay the minimum ₹3,000 recharge amount for the base year (2025–2026).
Confirmation: Once the payment is processed, the Annual Pass is activated on your FASTag account. You will receive SMS notifications confirming activation and tracking usage.
For those who already have an existing FASTag, there’s no need to purchase a new tag. The annual pass will simply be added to the current FASTag, provided all conditions are met.
Cost Savings: As per the government’s estimate, users can save a minimum of ₹7,000 annually with this pass.
Lower Average Cost: With the pass, the average toll cost per trip could drop to as low as ₹15.
Convenience: No need for frequent FASTag recharges or toll payments.
Reduced Congestion: Faster movement at toll plazas leads to shorter wait times and smoother journeys.