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Gadkari Announces Rs 3,000 FASTag Pass to Revolutionize Highway Travel

The Annual Pass, exclusively designed for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.

NEW DELHI – In a significant move to enhance convenience for highway commuters, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the introduction of a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000. Effective from August 15, 2025, the initiative aims to streamline toll payments and reduce congestion for non-commercial private vehicles across India’s National Highways.

The Annual Pass, exclusively designed for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. Gadkari, in a post on X, described the scheme as a “transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel,” emphasizing its potential to simplify toll payments through a single, affordable transaction.

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“This policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range, which have often caused delays and disputes,” Gadkari stated. “By reducing wait times and easing congestion, the Annual Pass will deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners.”

The pass integrates seamlessly with the existing FASTag system, requiring no additional devices or documentation. Commuters can activate or renew the pass through a dedicated link, which will soon be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

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The initiative is expected to benefit frequent travelers, particularly those commuting daily through toll plazas, by offering significant cost savings. Compared to the current monthly pass costing ₹340, totaling ₹4,080 annually, the ₹3,000 Annual Pass provides a more economical option. Additionally, the pass aims to reduce the hassle of frequent FASTag recharges, ensuring uninterrupted travel.

Gadkari highlighted that private vehicles contribute only 26% to the total toll revenue, with commercial vehicles accounting for the remaining 74%. The Annual Pass, therefore, is a targeted relief measure for individual car owners without significantly impacting NHAI’s revenue, which stood at ₹55,000 crore in FY2023-24.

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The announcement follows earlier discussions about toll reforms, including a now-scrapped proposal for a ₹30,000 lifetime FASTag pass valid for 15 years. The government is also exploring advanced tolling systems, such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System, to further modernize highway travel.

Commuters have welcomed the move, with many expressing relief over the simplified toll payment process. The Annual Pass is set to roll out on a trial basis for select routes, such as Delhi-Jaipur, before a nationwide expansion.

For more details on activation and eligibility, vehicle owners are advised to check the Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI’s official website in the coming weeks.

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