Nitin Gadkari announces FASTag annual pass: Travel seamlessly on highways for just ₹3,000
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on June 18, 2025 announced a revolutionary move under which a FASTag-based annual pass of Rs 3,000 will be introduced. The scheme will come into effect from August 15, 2025 and will be available for private non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps and vans. The pass will be valid for one year or up to 200 trips, whichever is earlier. Gadkari called it a "landmark initiative towards making highway travel hassle-free".
What is FASTag Annual Pass?
The FASTag Annual Pass is a digital toll payment system that will make travel on national highways seamless and economical. Under this, vehicle owners will not need to pay toll charges repeatedly. By paying a one-time amount of Rs 3,000, one can avail toll-free travel for 200 toll crossings or a year. The average cost of each toll crossing will be just Rs 15, allowing regular commuters to save up to Rs 7,000.
How will this pass work?
This pass is based on the Fastag system, which is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Users will be able to activate and renew it on the Highway Travel App, the official websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport (MoRTH). Payments can be made through UPI, credit/debit cards or net banking.
Why is this scheme special?
Gadkari said that this scheme will reduce congestion, delays and disputes at toll plazas. Especially for those commuters who are upset with the toll plazas located within a radius of 60 km, this pass will prove to be a boon. This is a big step towards digital and automated toll collection. The government is also working on a sensor-based, barrier-free toll system in the future.
Different from earlier schemes
Earlier, there was talk of a lifetime FASTag pass of Rs 30,000, but it was scrapped. The ministry clarified that no decision has been taken to implement satellite-based tolling from May 1, 2025. The new scheme is more affordable and flexible.
#FASTagBasedAnnualPass and #PragatiKaHighway are trending on X. People are calling it a "big relief for the public". Top trending searches include "Nitin Gadkari FASTag pass", "Rs 3,000 toll pass" and "highway toll news".
How to apply?
Step 1: Log in to the Highway Travel app or NHAI/MoRTH website.
Step 2: Enter your FASTag credentials and vehicle registration details.
Step 3: Pay ₹3,000.
Step 4: Get a notification when the pass is activated.
Conclusion
The FASTag annual pass will not only provide financial relief to commuters but will also further streamline toll collection. The scheme is another step towards making India's highways world-class.
Note: Non-payment will lead to FASTag suspension and penalty under the VAHAN system.