Gadkari Rolls Out ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass for Unlimited Toll Travel

Photo: AFB

The government has unveiled a new FASTag annual pass, aimed at making highway travel simpler and more affordable for private vehicle users. Announced by Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass costs ₹3,000 and will be available beginning August 15, 2025. It applies to cars, jeeps, and vans, and remains valid for one year or 200 toll trips, whichever comes first.

This initiative was introduced to address issues faced by commuters, such as long queues at toll plazas and multiple charges at closely spaced toll stations. Gadkari emphasised that the pass will provide “seamless and cost-effective travel” on national highways, enabling drivers to skip paying tolls at each stop and focus on their journey. 

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel    

FASTag users will soon find a dedicated option to activate or renew the annual pass through the Rajmarg Yatra app, the NHAI website, or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal. The pass links automatically to the vehicle’s existing FASTag; no new tag is required. However, eligibility is limited to private non-commercial vehicles only.

A typical highway trip will count as a single journey regardless of how many toll plazas are crossed, and after 200 trips or one year, the pass will automatically expire. Owners will need to renew or pay regular tolls thereafter. This model aims to cut down both toll plaza congestion and toll-related disputes. 

Beyond convenience, this policy supports the government’s broader goals of digital toll collection and infrastructure efficiency. With FASTag now mandatory across national highways, the annual pass is seen as a step forward in reducing human interaction, speeding up transit, and encouraging more drivers to adopt prepaid digital solutions.

Previously, users could access monthly passes via limited channels, but the new system expands access. The annual ₹3,000 pass offers a predictable cost model without requiring documents like proof of address. It also addresses rising concerns about toll booths spaced within 60 km of each other, where drivers previously faced repeated charges. 

This pass places private vehicles, which constitute over half of highway traffic but contribute a smaller share of toll revenue, on equal footing with commercial vehicles in terms of cost planning and efficiency. It also sets the stage for future innovations, like replacing barriers with sensor-based toll systems driven by GPS and RFID, keeping roads moving without stopping vehicles.

Commuters have welcomed the move, calling it “a long‑awaited change” that will reduce wait times and disputes at toll booths. The pass is part of a broader push to modernise transportation—offering cleaner, faster, and more predictable travel times while cutting down on emissions from idling vehicles.

As the rollout date of August 15 approaches, NHAI and MoRTH are expected to push notifications and tutorials via apps and websites. Drivers are advised to activate early to maximise the benefits of the one-year validity or 200-trip usage.