Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass Launched
Indian highway travellers can now enjoy smoother and more affordable journeys with the launch of a Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass. Announced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the scheme offers either 200 toll transactions or 12 months of travel—whichever comes first.
Who Can Benefit
The pass is designed for light motor vehicles such as cars, jeeps and vans that regularly use national highways. Frequent travellers, especially those commuting for work or business, are expected to see significant savings compared to paying tolls individually.
How It Works
The annual pass can be purchased through authorised banks and payment providers linked to the FASTag system. Once activated, it automatically deducts trips from your balance every time you pass through a toll plaza equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology.
For example, if you travel through a toll plaza twice a day, the 200-transaction limit could be reached in around 100 days. Alternatively, if you drive less often, your pass will remain valid for a full year from the date of activation.
Why It Matters
This initiative aims to:
- Reduce cash transactions at toll booths.
- Cut waiting times at plazas.
- Lower travel costs for frequent users.
- Promote digital payments across India’s highways.
The move is part of the government’s broader push towards improving road infrastructure efficiency and supporting cashless travel.
Also Read: Flash Flood Horror at Machail Yatra Route: 10 Feared Dead After Massive Cloudburst.
How to Get the Pass
Motorists can apply via:
- FASTag issuing banks (both private and public sector)
- Digital payment apps partnered with NHAI
- Selected toll plazas offering on-spot activation
Buyers will need to provide vehicle registration details and complete KYC verification before the pass is activated.
This announcement comes amid growing concerns over rising toll charges and traffic congestion at plazas. The new system is also in line with the government’s push towards Digital India and seamless electronic toll collection (ETC).
Experts believe the pass could encourage more vehicle owners to switch to FASTag, reducing cash transactions and cutting waiting times at toll gates. Social media is already buzzing with discussions around the initiative, with hashtags like #FASTagPass, #NHAI, and #DigitalIndia trending on X (formerly Twitter).
For now, the scheme applies only to selected highway routes, but officials hinted it could expand nationwide if the response is positive.
