In a major move aimed at easing highway travel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced the introduction of a FASTag-based Annual Pass, set to be implemented from August 15, 2025.
The pass, priced at ₹3,000, is tailored exclusively for private, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. It will be valid for one year from activation or 200 highway trips, whichever comes first.
The initiative is designed to simplify and reduce the cost of toll payments on National Highways across India, addressing persistent public concerns such as toll plazas located within 60 km and related traffic bottlenecks. According to Gadkari, this pass will be available for purchase and renewal through a dedicated section on the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as the official websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
For closed tolling systems like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one complete trip includes both entry and exit. In contrast, on open tolling routes such as Delhi–Chandigarh, every toll gate crossed counts as a separate trip.
Commuters who exceed the 200-trip limit can recharge their FASTag as needed. The system uses RFID technology to automatically deduct toll charges, ensuring quick passage through toll booths.
Currently, private vehicle users can opt for monthly passes costing ₹340, which amounts to ₹4,080 annually. The new annual pass offers a more affordable and convenient alternative.
Ministry data shows that although private cars account for 53% of highway traffic, they contribute only 21% of toll revenue, roughly ₹8,000 crore out of a total ₹55,000 crore collected in FY 2023–24. The new pass is expected to streamline operations, ease congestion, and reduce confrontations at toll booths.
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