The central government has announced the launch of FASTag-based Annual Passes for non-commercial vehicles, effective from August 15. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made the announcement on Wednesday, describing the initiative as a move to enable “seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country.”
The annual passes, priced at ₹3,000, will be valid for either one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first.
“In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025,” Gadkari said in a post on X. “This pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans,” he added.
The minister stated that the policy addresses longstanding concerns about toll plazas located within a 60-km radius. The introduction of a single, prepaid pass is aimed at simplifying toll payments, reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll booths.
To facilitate the use of the new annual passes, a dedicated link for activation and renewal will be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and on the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The FASTag system was first introduced in 2014 as part of the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) framework. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable cashless toll payments and reduce bottlenecks at toll plazas.
The Ministry had earlier announced the upcoming implementation of an ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ at select locations. This system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag infrastructure, allowing vehicles to pass through toll booths without stopping.
Under the new system, tolls will be automatically deducted based on vehicle identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers. In cases of non-compliance, e-Notices will be issued, and repeated violations may result in FASTag suspension and other penalties under VAHAN regulations.
(ANI)
