FASTag Annual Pass Starts August 15: Check Eligibility, Price, and Benefits

The government has announced a new FASTag pass for vehicle drivers, which will be available in just 7 days at an affordable price. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, introduced this annual toll/FASTag pass, set to be effective from August 15. Below are the details regarding this initiative.

The annual FASTag pass is priced at ₹3,000. It allows for 200 toll-free journeys or is valid for one year, whichever comes first. This pass is applicable only on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE), excluding state highways, private roads, and state expressways.

Eligibility and Application Process

Only private cars, jeeps, and vans can use this pass; it is not available for commercial vehicles. To obtain the pass, applications can be submitted through the 'Rajmarg Yatri' mobile app or the official NHAI website. The existing FASTag can be activated within two hours of payment.

This new system offers a cost-effective solution for those who frequently travel on national highways. It aims to simplify toll payment processes and reduce travel time significantly.

Benefits and Limitations

The benefits include saving up to ₹20,000 annually and reduced waiting times at toll plazas. However, the pass is non-transferable and linked to the registered vehicle only. Once 200 trips per year are completed, it reverts to a regular FASTag mode. Additional trips require purchasing a new pass.

For those travelling regularly on national highways, this system provides a convenient option by streamlining toll payments and cutting down travel time.