Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. In a major relief for highway commuters, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a new FASTag-based annual toll pass priced at ₹3,000. Scheduled to launch on August 15, 2025, the pass aims to ease travel for frequent users of national highways, especially those residing within a 60-kilometre radius of toll plazas.
The annual pass, once activated, will remain valid for one year or up to 200 trips—whichever is exhausted first. The move is specifically targeted at private passenger vehicle owners who often traverse the same toll routes multiple times a week.
Calling the initiative “historic,” Gadkari said the new system would cut down travel delays and reduce congestion at toll points across the country.
Application process and platforms
Interested citizens can apply for the pass via the websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Additionally, the pass will be made available through the NHAI’s official mobile app ‘Rajmargyatra’. A dedicated online link for activation and renewal will also be provided shortly.
Addressing toll issues near residential zones
The government’s primary objective behind this scheme is to provide relief to those living close to toll plazas—typically within a 60-km radius. These individuals often face repeated toll charges, leading to commuter frustration.
According to Gadkari, this new model not only offers financial respite but also reduces long queues, wait times, and disputes over toll collection.
Pan-India coverage on national highways
The pass will be applicable at all toll plazas situated on national highways, allowing seamless travel from Delhi to Mumbai, or Chennai to Bengaluru. However, it’s important to note that the pass will not be valid on state highways or local municipal toll roads.
The payment process will remain fully digital, using FASTag technology to automatically deduct trips without charging extra—until the 200-trip limit or annual deadline is reached.
Why the new pass despite FASTag?
Although FASTag already provides a digital toll payment system, the key difference lies in cost-efficiency. With a regular FASTag, the toll is deducted on every trip. The annual pass offers a flat payment model, ideal for those who regularly commute the same routes.
For such users, ₹3,000 for 200 trips could significantly reduce their annual toll expenses while also bringing structure and predictability to toll operations.
Enhanced highway experience for private drivers
The Ministry asserts that this new system will create a more organized tolling environment, benefiting millions of private vehicle users. The streamlined process is expected to improve traffic flow, eliminate unnecessary delays, and provide a smoother travel experience.
By launching this initiative on Independence Day, the government hopes to set a new benchmark in user-friendly highway infrastructure.
Key Pointers in a Nutshell:
- Govt to launch FASTag annual pass at ₹3,000 on August 15, 2025
- Valid for 1 year or 200 trips—whichever comes first
- Applicable on national highways; not valid on state or local tolls
- Aimed at users living within 60 km of toll plazas
- Passes can be applied via NHAI, MoRTH websites and Rajmargyatra app
- Designed to reduce delays, disputes, and toll queues
- Offers cost-effective travel for frequent highway commuters
