The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has officially announced that the much-anticipated FASTag Annual Pass will be rolled out from August 15, 2025—coinciding with India’s 79th Independence Day. The scheme, aimed at private vehicle owners, promises hassle-free, pre-paid toll travel across designated National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE).
According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) released earlier, the “Annual pass facility for private car/van/jeep will be implemented from 15th August 2025”. The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline toll payment systems, reduce congestion, and encourage digital transactions at toll plazas. Source: PIB
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 15, 2025 (Independence Day) |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,000 |
| Validity | 1 year or 200 crossings, whichever is earlier |
| Eligible Vehicles | Private, non-commercial cars/jeeps/vans |
| Coverage | NHAI and MoRTH-managed NH & NE toll plazas |
| Activation | Rajmarg Yatra app, NHAI website, FASTag providers |
| Optional? | Yes—regular FASTag can still be used |
₹3,000 Annual Fee for Unlimited Convenience
The MoRTH Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 388(E)), issued earlier this year, clearly states that any owner of a registered non-commercial vehicle with a valid and functional FASTag can avail of the annual pass by paying ₹3,000. This pass will remain valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first.
The pass will be directly linked to the FASTag account, eliminating the need for repeated top-ups for highway journeys. Importantly, this is an optional facility—drivers can still use standard pay-per-use FASTag if they prefer. Source: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)
Where and How FASTag Annual Pass Works
As per NHAI’s official FAQs, the Annual Pass allows toll-free passage for private cars, jeeps, and vans on NHAI and MoRTH-managed NH and NE toll plazas. It will not apply to state highways or private toll roads.
Eligible users can activate the pass via:
- Rajmarg Yatra mobile app
- NHAI’s official website
- Authorized FASTag service providers
After logging in with FASTag details, users can select the Annual Pass option, pay ₹3,000 using UPI, net banking, or card, and receive SMS confirmation of activation.
Boost to Digital Tolling and Road Efficiency
In another statement, the PIB highlighted that NHAI has updated FASTag management policies to ensure smooth implementation of the Annual Pass scheme. This initiative supports the government’s ongoing push for digital toll collection, reducing waiting times at plazas and improving traffic flow.
Officials believe the scheme could be particularly beneficial for those travelling long distances frequently—such as office commuters, business travellers, and intercity drivers.
NHAI Cracks Down on ‘Loose FASTag’ Misuse
Alongside the Annual Pass announcement, NHAI has also strengthened the process for reporting and blacklisting ‘loose FASTags’—FASTags that are not permanently affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen. Such tags are often misused for toll evasion or fraud. Under the updated system, any reported loose FASTag will be promptly investigated and, if confirmed, blacklisted to prevent further misuse.
This move aims to protect toll revenue, enhance compliance, and maintain the integrity of the FASTag ecosystem as the Annual Pass rolls out nationwide. Source: PIB
Author
