Fastag annual pass of ₹3,000 announced

Why in news?

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a new scheme under which the government will launch a Fastag based annual pass.

What is Fastag Annual Pass Scheme:

• Fastag Annual Pass Scheme is a new government initiative, which will be implemented from 15 August 2025.
• Under this scheme, private vehicle owners will get a pass for ₹3,000 that will allow them to travel on national highways across the country without paying toll repeatedly.

Key Features:

What is the objective?

• Avoid frequent halts at toll plazas
• Address the problem of repeated payments at toll plazas within the 60 km limit
• Make travel faster, easier and hassle-free
• Promote digital toll collection

Ease and accessibility

• A dedicated link for activation and renewal of passes will soon be available on the following platforms:
  • Highway Yatra App
  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website
  • Official website of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways

Thinking behind the policy

• This annual pass policy addresses long-standing issues related to toll plazas located within the 60 km limit, especially.
• Through a single payment mechanism:
  • The toll collection system will be simplified.
  • Electronic toll collection will be promoted under Digital India.
  • There will also be environmental benefits, as emissions caused by vehicles waiting at tolls will be reduced.

What is Fastag?

• Fastag is an electronic toll collection system
• It has been developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• It is a sticker based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which is pasted on the front windscreen of the vehicle.

How does Fastag work?

• When the vehicle passes through the toll plaza, the RFID reader installed there scans the Fastag.
• The toll fee is automatically deducted from the Fastag account of the vehicle.
• The vehicle can pass through the toll gate quickly without stopping, saving both time and fuel.

Key features of Fastag:

Conclusion

This FASTag based annual pass policy strengthens the government's vision of a digital and accessible India. It is not just a facility but a comprehensive travel improvement plan that will save time, money and energy of millions of motorists.