FASTag Annual Pass Brings Ease to Highway Travel

Introduction of the Annual Pass

FASTag Annual Pass Brings Ease to Highway Travel: On 15 August 2025, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced the FASTag Annual Pass to simplify toll collection across the country. This facility is designed to reduce waiting time at toll plazas and provide predictable, cost-effective travel for non-commercial vehicle owners.

Static GK fact: NHAI manages more than 65,000 km of national highways in India, playing a crucial role in the country’s infrastructure development.

Key Features of the Pass

The annual pass comes at a cost of ₹3,000 and offers validity for either one year or 200 toll transactions, depending on which limit is reached first. Users with the pass do not need to recharge their FASTag balance repeatedly, which makes frequent travel easier and more efficient.

Static GK Tip: India has the second-largest road network in the world, spanning over 63 lakh km.

Who Can Avail and How to Activate

The scheme is open to all private non-commercial vehicles already equipped with FASTag. Activation is quick and user-friendly through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the NHAI website. Once the payment is confirmed, the pass becomes active within two hours, offering seamless access for travelers.

Nationwide Coverage

The facility has been extended to around 1,150 toll plazas on both expressways and national highways, ensuring countrywide access. This uniform implementation gives road users consistent benefits, regardless of the region they travel in.

The first day saw an overwhelming response with 1.4 lakh annual passes issued and 1.39 lakh toll transactions recorded. At the same time, the Rajmargyatra App handled more than 20,000 concurrent users, reflecting its wide acceptance.

Strengthened Support Services

To address traveler needs, dedicated nodal officers have been placed at every toll plaza. Complaint resolution and assistance have been streamlined with strengthened infrastructure. The 1033 National Highway Helpline has been reinforced with 100+ executives, ensuring round-the-clock support.

Major Benefits for Travelers

The pass reduces costs for frequent commuters and removes the hassle of maintaining FASTag balance. After activation, no toll amount is deducted, improving transparency. It also speeds up vehicle movement at plazas, helping to ease congestion.

Static GK fact: FASTag was first introduced in 2014 on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai highway as a pilot project and became mandatory for all vehicles in February 2021.

Digital Highway Vision

India already has more than 8 crore FASTag users, with a usage rate exceeding 98%. The annual pass adds further strength to this digital tolling ecosystem, aligning with India’s goal of achieving technology-driven and transparent highway operations.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

FASTag Annual Pass Brings Ease to Highway Travel: