FASTag Annual Toll Pass Launching from August 15 – Eligibility, Activation Process, and Key Rules Explained

Starting August 15, 2025, private vehicle owners in India will be able to benefit from a new FASTag-based annual toll pass. Announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and formalized through a gazette notification dated June 17, this initiative aims to streamline toll payments, reduce delays, and ease congestion at National Highway toll plazas.

What Is the FASTag Annual Toll Pass?

The FASTag annual toll pass is a prepaid fixed-cost toll facility priced at ₹3,000. It is intended to offer unlimited access through National Highway toll booths, subject to a limit of 200 crossings or one year of validity, whichever occurs first.

The key advantage of the pass is that it eliminates the need for repeated deductions at each toll plaza, offering seamless travel for eligible users.

Eligibility: Who Can Use the Pass?

The facility is exclusively for private, non-commercial vehicles such as:

• Cars

• Jeeps

• Vans

To avail the pass, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:

• Valid registration

• An active FASTag

This scheme is not available to commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, or taxis.

How Toll Crossings Will Be Counted

A new feature of this toll pass system is the way crossings are measured. According to the notification:

• In closed-loop toll systems (where both entry and exit are tracked), a complete round trip will be treated as one crossing.

This provision ensures fair toll usage calculation and helps avoid duplicate or double charges, making the system more transparent for users.

How to Activate and Renew the Annual Toll Pass

Users can activate or renew their FASTag annual pass using digital platforms soon to be made available. The government will roll out a dedicated link on:

• The Rajmarg Yatra App

• The official MoRTH website

• The NHAI portal

To complete activation, vehicle owners will need to submit:

• Vehicle registration details

• FASTag ID

This process aims to simplify access and promote digital toll management.

Fixed Fee and Future Revisions

The annual pass is currently priced at ₹3,000, but it will be revised annually from April 1 each year. This revision will be made under Rule 3C of the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and follow Rule 5 of the principal rules.

Revisions will account for inflation, policy updates, or other economic factors as determined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Why This Annual Pass Is Important for Highway Commuters

The toll pass addresses several key pain points for frequent highway travelers, such as:

• Frequent deductions at every toll plaza

• Traffic congestion at toll booths

• Uncertainty in toll charges

By enabling one-time payment, the pass enhances convenience and ensures faster transit through toll plazas.

Expert View: Enhanced Convenience with Limited Impact on Operators

According to Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, Senior Director & Global Head at Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics:

• The average Indian private vehicle covers 10,000 km/year, mostly outside the national highway system.

• Hence, the financial impact on toll operators may be minimal.

However, for those who drive more than 2,500–3,000 km annually on highways, this pass could offer significant cost savings, making it an attractive choice for regular intercity travelers.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Frequent Highway Travelers

The FASTag annual toll pass is set to transform highway travel for millions of Indian vehicle owners by offering an affordable, seamless, and digitally managed solution. With its launch on August 15, the initiative is a step toward more efficient and tech-driven toll collection, promising long-term benefits for both users and the national infrastructure ecosystem.