On August 15, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the FASTag Annual Pass. This new scheme is designed for private vehicles, allowing toll-free travel on selected National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) for a full year or up to 200 trips.
The pass costs ₹3,000, offering significant savings for those who frequently travel on highways. For example, if a vehicle owner usually pays ₹50 at each toll, they would typically spend ₹10,000 for 200 crossings. With the Annual Pass, they only pay ₹3,000.
The FASTag Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of activation or until the vehicle completes 200 toll transactions. After reaching this limit, the FASTag will revert to the standard pay-per-use system. It is important to note that only vehicles with an active and correctly installed FASTag can purchase the pass.
This initiative aims to make highway travel easier, quicker, and more affordable for regular commuters. The government hopes this will encourage more people to opt for digital payment methods and reduce congestion at toll plazas.
To activate the pass, users must log in with their FASTag details and select the Annual Pass option. They can pay through UPI, net banking, or card. An SMS confirmation will be sent once the activation is successful.
The FASTag system was first introduced in 2014 as part of a move to create a cashless toll payment system in India. It uses RFID technology to facilitate quick and easy toll payments. The new Annual Pass is part of a broader strategy to enhance the toll collection process and improve traffic flow on highways.
Officials believe the scheme will particularly benefit those who travel long distances often, such as commuters and business travellers. The government encourages eligible users to take advantage of this new offer.
In addition to the launch of the Annual Pass, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has updated policies regarding FASTags. This includes measures to investigate and blacklist ‘loose FASTags,’ which are not properly affixed to vehicles and may be misused for evading tolls.
The Annual Pass is optional. Users can still choose to use the standard FASTag system if they prefer. However, the pass provides an economical option for those who regularly travel on the highways.
It is crucial for vehicle owners to ensure that their FASTag is properly linked to their vehicle registration number. The Annual Pass is valid only for non-commercial vehicles like cars, vans, and jeeps. Using the pass on commercial vehicles will result in immediate deactivation.
The Ministry has also set up a helpline to assist users with any complaints related to the FASTag system. Overall, the FASTag Annual Pass is a significant step towards making highway travel more convenient and cost-effective for the people of Gujarat and the rest of India.