The government will launch a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles from August 15, offering seamless travel across National Highways. Valid for a year or 200 trips, the pass aims to reduce toll congestion, simplify payments, and enhance travel convenience for cars, jeeps, and vans across India.
The Central Government has announced the introduction of a FASTag-based Annual Pass for non-commercial vehicles, such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Priced at ₹3,000, the pass will come into effect from August 15, 2025, and is expected to significantly reduce travel hassles, congestion, and toll-related disputes across India’s extensive National Highway network.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, made the official announcement via a social media post on Wednesday, calling it “a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel.” He stated that the initiative is aimed at providing a seamless and cost-effective experience to millions of private vehicle users who frequently use India’s growing highway infrastructure.
The new FASTag Annual Pass will be valid for one year from the date of activation or for up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. This ensures that both occasional and regular highway users benefit from reduced costs and simpler toll payment mechanisms. The pass is strictly meant for non-commercial private vehicles, thereby excluding trucks, buses, and other commercial transport.
A dedicated link for the activation and renewal of the Annual Pass will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App, and through official platforms including the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
One of the major benefits of the new annual pass is its focus on addressing long-standing issues at toll plazas, especially those located within a 60-kilometre range. Drivers often encounter multiple toll booths in close proximity, leading to frequent stops, delays, and confusion. This policy aims to resolve such issues by allowing a single, affordable transaction to cover travel across the entire national highway network.
Gadkari emphasized that this new approach will help in:
-
Reducing waiting times at toll booths
-
Easing overall traffic congestion
-
Minimising disputes regarding toll collection
-
Enhancing convenience for frequent travelers
By implementing this system, the ministry hopes to create a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly toll management framework.
The Annual FASTag Pass announcement comes at a time when India’s national highway infrastructure is undergoing rapid expansion. Over the past decade (2014–2024), the average annual construction of National Highways has seen a remarkable 130% increase compared to the previous decade (2004–2014).
As a result, the total length of highways constructed in the last 10 years has reached 1,01,900 kilometers, and the pace of construction has accelerated significantly — from 11.6 km/day in 2014 to 34 km/day in 2024. The entire national highway network now spans 1,46,204 kilometers, marking a 60% increase over the last 10 years.
Moreover, the government has dramatically increased its investment in road infrastructure. The Centre’s allocation for road transport and highway development has risen by 6.4 times between 2013-14 and 2024-25. The ministry’s budget for highways alone has witnessed a 570% jump between 2014 and 2023-24.
Currently, 1,366 projects, covering a cumulative distance of 32,366 kilometers, are under construction across the country. This includes key developments in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and the North-Eastern states. Most of these are expected to be completed in phases by the financial year 2028.
| Also Read: Tragic drowning in Badharghat: CM orders urgent safety measures |
The launch of the Rs 3,000 FASTag-based Annual Pass reflects the government’s continued efforts to improve citizen experience on national highways, while also promoting digital payments, decongesting toll plazas, and supporting the broader vision of a modern, well-connected India. The move is expected to be particularly beneficial for commuters who frequently travel between cities and states for work, tourism, or personal reasons.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways takes a major step forward in simplifying toll systems while backing it with substantial infrastructure investment to keep India moving faster and smoother.
