Zoom Past Tolls: Govt’s Rs 3,000 FASTag Pass Puts the ‘Fast’ in FASTag

In another effort to make highway travel cheaper and less stressful in recent times, the Indian government has introduced a FASTag-based annual pass for private cars at a meager Rs 3,000. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the scheme would be functional from August 15, 2025, and it will help millions of owners of cars, jeeps, and vans in the country.

 

Key Highlights

Reasonable Annual Pass: Private, non-commercial cars can now purchase a FASTag-based annual pass for Rs 3,000, which is valid for one year from the date of activation or for 200 trips—whichever is earlier.

 

Massive Savings: The new pass lowers year-round toll costs from an estimated Rs 10,000 to at least Rs 3,000, which will save frequent travelers a maximum amount of Rs 7,000 per year.

 

Nationwide Acceptance: The pass can be used at all toll plazas of National Highways across India to travel free without having to pay multiple tolls.

 

Simplified Application: You can purchase and renew the pass using the Rajmarg Yatra App, the website of NHAI, or the MoRTH portal. Renewal customers who already have FASTag with renewed vehicle registration numbers do not have to apply for a new tag.

 

Decreased Congestion: The initiative seeks to decrease wait times, alleviate congestion, and minimize friction at toll points, particularly at places that are 60 km apart from each other.

 

Digital-First Strategy: Payments can be made via UPI, credit/debit cards, or net banking, and the pass will be automatically linked to the user's FASTag within 24 hours of the activation.

 

Flexibility in the future: Future subscription plans can be added to provide an additional degree of flexibility to the users.

 

This pioneering move is likely to revolutionize road transport for individual car owners, making travel smoother, quicker, and more affordable.

 

Source: Times of India, Indian Express, India Today