The Government of India officially launched an annual FASTag pass for private cars, jeeps, and vans, aiming to simplify toll payments and offer significant savings for highway travellers. A day prior, the government had opened the pre-booking window for the pass, which relies on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to deduct toll charges automatically from a prepaid account linked to the vehicle.

What the Annual Pass Offers

The new FASTag annual pass is exclusively designed for non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Unlike regular FASTags that require frequent recharges, this pass ensures seamless travel across National Highways (NHs) and National Motorways (NEs) without the need to top up balances repeatedly. However, the pass will not apply on state- or privately managed highways and motorways, where normal toll charges will continue.

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How to Buy and Activate the Pass

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made the annual pass available for purchase through the Rajmarg Yatra app, as well as on the official websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). To activate the pass, vehicle owners must link it to their existing FASTag and verify their vehicle details. After making a one-time payment of ₹3,000, the pass will be activated within two hours and remain valid for one year. At state-managed motorways or fee plazas, the FASTag will continue to operate as a regular one, and the usual toll charges will apply.

No New FASTag Required

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways clarified that those who already have a FASTag installed on their vehicles do not need to purchase a new one. The pass will be enabled on the existing FASTag after completing KYC verification. However, vehicles registered using only a chassis number will need to update their Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), along with the linked mobile number, to qualify.

Validity and Usage Rules

The pass will be valid for one year or 200 trips, whichever comes first. On closed tolling highways such as the Delhi-Mumbai Motorway—where tolls are collected at exit points—a single trip includes both entry and exit. On open tolling routes such as Delhi-Chandigarh, each toll plaza crossing will count as a separate trip.

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Benefits of the Pass

Officials estimate that motorists can save between ₹5,000 and ₹7,000 annually by opting for the new pass. Apart from cost benefits, it eliminates the hassle of recharging during long journeys, ensuring uninterrupted highway travel.

Transfer and Eligibility

The annual pass is non-transferable and linked to a specific vehicle. Any attempt to transfer it may lead to blacklisting of the FASTag. Importantly, purchasing the annual pass is not mandatory; it is a voluntary option for those who frequently travel on national highways.

This new initiative is expected to reduce delays at toll plazas and bring much-needed convenience to private vehicle owners travelling long distances across India’s national highway network.