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🚗 What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have launched the FASTag Annual Pass. Introduced on 15 August 2025, it’s a prepaid plan that makes highway travel much easier. For just ₹3,000 a year, private vehicle owners can cover up to 200 toll crossings or 12 months of travel — whichever comes first — without worrying about paying at every booth.
🆕 Why Was It Introduced?
If you’re a frequent highway traveler, you know the headache of constant recharges, waiting at toll booths, and watching costs add up. The FASTag Annual Pass was designed to cut down on queues, remove the recharge hassle, and help regular commuters save money.
💰 How Much Can You Save?
Here’s the simple math: normal tolls cost around ₹50 per trip. With the Annual Pass, that cost can go down to just ₹15. Over time, frequent travellers can save ₹7,000 or more, depending on their routes and frequency.
📋 Who Can Get It?
The pass is only for private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans. Commercial vehicles — taxis, buses, or trucks — can’t use it. A few conditions apply:
– Your FASTag must be linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN).
– If it’s registered only with a chassis number, you’ll need to update it.
– The pass is vehicle-specific, so you can’t transfer it to another car.
🚀 How to Activate the Annual Pass
1. Download the Rajmarg Yatra app (Android/iOS) or visit the NHAI website.
2. Log in using your mobile number or VRN and confirm your FASTag is active.
3. Enter vehicle and FASTag details; upload RC, ID, address proof, and photo if asked.
4. Pay the ₹3,000 fee using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. (FASTag wallet balance can’t be used).
5. Activation usually happens within 2 hours (up to 24). You’ll get an SMS confirmation.
⏳ How Long Does It Last?
The pass is valid for 1 year from activation OR 200 trips, whichever comes first.
– At normal toll plazas, each crossing counts as one trip (a round trip counts as two).
– On closed systems (like expressways), a full entry-exit cycle counts as one trip.
– Once you hit the limit, your FASTag switches back to regular pay-per-use mode. You can always buy the pass again.
⚙ Benefits at a Glance
– Big Savings: Save up to 70–80% on tolls.
– No Hassle: Pay once a year, no constant recharges.
– Time Saver: Faster movement with less congestion.
– Easy Setup: Works with your existing FASTag, no extra hardware needed.
⚠ Things to Keep in Mind
– Valid only at NHAI-managed toll plazas (not state highways, municipal roads, or parking).
– Non-transferable: Linked to one vehicle only.
– No auto-renewal: You’ll need to buy it again once it expires.
– No refunds: Even if unused.
– Optional: Your FASTag works fine without this pass if you don’t want it.
📈 Launch & Early Response
The pass went live on 15 August 2025. On day one, it saw over 1.39 lakh trips and nearly 1.4 lakh activations across 1,150+ toll plazas. The response showed strong interest from regular highway users.
📘 Final Word
The FASTag Annual Pass is a smart option for people who drive on highways often. It’s cost-effective, saves time, and removes the constant worry of topping up. While it has some limits — like no refunds and being tied to one vehicle — the benefits make it a great deal for frequent commuters. Think of it as a year-long fast lane pass for your car: one payment, smoother trips, and more savings.
