New Delhi: In a move aimed at easing toll expenses for frequent highway users, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles. The announcement was made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on X (formerly Twitter) on June 20. The new system will be rolled out from August 15, 2025.
The pass, priced at Rs 3,000 per year, will be valid for up to 200 trips or 12 months, whichever limit is reached first. It is applicable only for non-commercial vehicles, such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
Policy Designed for Regular Highway Commuters
According to the Ministry, this initiative addresses long-standing complaints by commuters who make frequent short-distance trips and often pass through toll plazas situated within 60 km of their residence. These travelers have typically borne higher cumulative toll costs over time.
Under the new structure, the average cost per trip would effectively drop to Rs 15, compared to the standard toll charges that often range from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per trip. For 200 trips, that translates to a saving of over Rs 7,000 for many users.
Digital Activation and Renewal Process
The pass can be activated or renewed through a dedicated link on the Rajmarg Yatra App, and will also be available on the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
FASTag Use Continues to Expand
The FASTag system, which has been mandatory since February 2021 for all toll payments on national highways, operates on RFID technology. As of March 2024, it accounted for over 98% of toll collections on national highways. Recharge options remain varied, including UPI, debit/credit cards, and internet banking.
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