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The introduction of the FASTag-based annual pass by the Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari represents a significant step towards streamlining travel on national highways in India. This initiative, set to be effective from August 15, 2025, aims to provide frequent travelers with a cost-effective and convenient solution for toll payments. The annual pass, priced at ₹3,000, allows private car, jeep, and van users to traverse designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for a year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first, without incurring per-trip user fee charges. This move is expected to alleviate the financial burden on regular commuters and encourage smoother traffic flow at toll booths. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from travelers who frequently use the national highway network, as it promises to simplify their journeys and reduce overall transportation expenses. The availability of the annual pass through the Rajmargyatra mobile application and the NHAI website further enhances accessibility and user-friendliness, making it easier for individuals to avail themselves of this new offering. Gadkari's announcement, shared via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), underscores the government's commitment to leveraging technology and digital platforms to improve the transportation infrastructure and services across the country. The initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting cashless transactions and reducing congestion at toll plazas, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. The frequently asked questions (FAQs) released by the government provide clarity on various aspects of the annual pass, addressing concerns and queries from potential users. These FAQs cover topics such as eligibility criteria, activation process, validity period, and usage guidelines, ensuring that travelers are well-informed about the terms and conditions of the annual pass. The government's proactive approach in providing comprehensive information reflects its commitment to transparency and user empowerment.
The functionality and operational aspects of the FASTag annual pass are designed to be seamless and user-friendly. The pass can be activated on an existing FASTag, provided it meets certain eligibility criteria, such as being properly affixed to the vehicle's windshield, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number, and not being blacklisted. This eliminates the need for users to purchase a new FASTag, simplifying the adoption process. The annual pass is valid only at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas, and it operates as a regular FASTag at fee plazas on Expressways, State Highways (SH), etc., managed by State Governments or local bodies, where applicable user fee charges may apply. This distinction is crucial for users to understand the scope of the annual pass and avoid confusion regarding its applicability. The validity of the annual pass is limited to one year from the date of activation or 200 transactions (trips), whichever comes first. Once either of these limits is reached, the pass automatically reverts to a regular FASTag, and users need to re-activate the annual pass to continue enjoying its benefits. This feature ensures that the pass remains relevant and cost-effective for frequent travelers without imposing unnecessary restrictions on occasional users. The annual pass is applicable only for private non-commercial Car/Jeep/Van, and its use in any commercial vehicle will result in immediate deactivation without notice. This restriction is intended to prevent misuse of the pass and ensure that it benefits the intended target group of private vehicle owners. The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered. Using it on another vehicle will lead to deactivation, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the terms and conditions of the pass.
The government's decision to release a set of FAQs demonstrates its commitment to addressing potential user concerns and promoting transparency. The FAQs cover a wide range of topics, including the definition of a single trip under the annual pass. For point-based fee plazas, each crossing of a fee plaza counts as one trip, while a round trip (to and fro) counts as two trips. For closed tolling fee plazas, one pair of entry and exit counts as one trip. This clarification helps users accurately track their usage and avoid exceeding the 200-trip limit. The FAQs also address the issue of SMS notifications, confirming that users will receive SMS alerts and other communications related to their annual pass. This feature ensures that users are kept informed about the status of their pass and any relevant updates or changes. The government emphasizes that the annual pass is not mandatory and that the existing FASTag ecosystem will continue to operate as is. Users who do not opt for the annual pass can continue to use their FASTag for regular transactions as per applicable user fee rates at fee plazas. This flexibility allows users to choose the option that best suits their individual needs and preferences. The FAQs also clarify that users may re-purchase the annual pass once the 200-trip limit is exhausted, even if the one-year validity period has not yet ended. This feature provides users with the option to continue enjoying the benefits of the annual pass beyond the initial 200 trips, further enhancing its value and convenience. Overall, the FASTag-based annual pass represents a positive step towards improving the travel experience on national highways in India. The government's commitment to transparency, user-friendliness, and flexibility ensures that the pass is accessible and beneficial to a wide range of travelers.
Source: FASTag annual pass: How to purchase, validity, cost, trip limit & more