Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on June 18, 2025, announced a FASTag-based Annual Pass exclusively for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. This new pass aims to enable seamless, hassle-free, and cost-effective travel across India’s National Highways.

The FASTag Annual Pass will be priced at ₹3,000, and the scheme is set to come into effect from August 15, 2025. The pass provides validity for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 toll plaza trips, whichever occurs first. This initiative is a significant step towards simplifying highway travel, minimizing toll plaza congestion, and reducing wait times for private vehicle owners.

Key Features of the FASTag Annual Pass

• Price: ₹3,000 for private vehicles

• Validity: One year from activation or 200 trips (whichever is earlier)

• Applicable Vehicles: Non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, vans

• Objective: Streamline toll payments, reduce congestion, enable faster toll plaza clearance

Activation and Renewal

A dedicated activation and renewal link for the FASTag Annual Pass will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This digital approach will ensure easy access and convenience for vehicle owners.

Benefits of the FASTag Annual Pass

• Single transaction toll payment to cover multiple trips

• Reduction in toll plaza waiting times

• Cost-effective for frequent travelers on National Highways

• Minimized disputes and ease of use at toll booths

• Encourages cashless and digital toll payments, supporting India’s push towards digital infrastructure

Concerns Raised by Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Despite the benefits, concerns have been raised regarding the current functionality of FASTags. The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chaired by Congress MP KC Venugopal pointed out issues such as FASTags not working properly, excess toll charges by some plazas, and road quality problems. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing improvements to ensure smooth implementation of FASTag-related schemes.

Summary

The launch of the FASTag Annual Pass by Nitin Gadkari marks a transformative move toward hassle-free highway travel for private vehicle owners. With a fixed price of ₹3,000 and validity for one year or 200 trips, this pass simplifies toll payments and reduces congestion on National Highways. The upcoming availability of activation through the Rajmarg Yatra App and official portals will further enhance accessibility and ease of use.

Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual risk tolerance and consultation with SEBI-registered advisors. Market conditions are volatile and subject to change. Neither the author nor the platform is responsible for losses arising from use of this information.

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