Government Launches FASTag-Enabled Annual Highway Pass
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has unveiled a new FASTag-based annual pass aimed at providing a more economical and convenient travel option for frequent commuters. This initiative, exclusively available for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, seeks to alleviate the inconvenience of repeated toll deductions on highways. The pass will be activated and managed through the Rajmarg Yatra App, along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other official platforms.
Cost and Validity of the Annual Pass
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the FASTag-based annual pass will be priced at ₹3,000. This pass will be valid for either 200 trips or one year from the date of activation, whichever occurs first. Each toll crossing will count as one trip, allowing users to traverse up to 200 toll plazas under this scheme. The activation and renewal processes for the pass will be facilitated through the Rajmarg Yatra app, as well as the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH.
Gadkari emphasized that this new policy addresses long-standing issues related to toll plazas located within a 60 km radius, simplifying toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. The average cost of crossing a toll currently ranges between ₹80 and ₹100, but with the new FASTag-based annual pass, this cost will drop to just ₹15 per crossing. The minister further noted that travelers could potentially save up to ₹7,000 in toll expenses over the course of the year.
Limitations and Future Developments
While the FASTag-based annual pass presents a significant cost-saving opportunity, it is important to note that it will only be valid on national highways, excluding state highways. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the pass will be applicable for toll transactions on expressways. This limitation may affect some commuters who frequently travel on various types of roads.
In conjunction with the introduction of the annual pass, the government is also planning to implement a new system that will eliminate the need for physical toll plazas altogether. This innovative approach aims to reduce wait times, alleviate congestion, and minimize disputes at toll collection points, further enhancing the travel experience for motorists.
Implementation Timeline
The FASTag-based annual pass is set to take effect from August 15, 2025. As the launch date approaches, the MoRTH will likely provide additional details regarding the activation process and any further developments related to the new toll collection system. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing highway travel in India, making it more efficient and user-friendly for everyday commuters.
As the government continues to roll out these changes, it is expected that the FASTag-based annual pass will become a popular choice among frequent travelers, streamlining their journeys across the nation’s highways.
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