FASTag Annual Pass: There’s a new plan that is going to change the way you drive on highways, and it’s not just about having smoother trips but also huge cost savings. By mid-August, this might be the wiser route to traverse the country’s toll roads.

What is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The Union Government has launched an yearly FASTag pass for non-commercial vehicles like private vehicles, jeeps, and vans. At ₹3,000, the pass, which will be operational from 15 August, will enable users to travel hassle-free on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) without frequent toll deductions.

This yearly pass is good for either 200 toll crossings or one year from the date of activation, whichever is first. The aim is to save the financial load of frequent travelers by trading multiple toll payments with single access.

How Much Can You Save?

As per Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the average toll crossing would cost ₹50. With the FASTag pass, every journey would essentially cost ₹15. For 200 journeys, it would be ₹3,000 rather than ₹10,000. This is a definite saving of ₹7,000 per annum for frequent highway drivers.

Is It Compulsory to Purchase?

The ministry has made it clear that buying this annual pass is entirely voluntary. Existing FASTag account holders are not required to purchase a new one. If the current FASTag is correctly fitted on the windshield, associated with a legitimate registration number, and not blacklisted, the annual pass can be activated directly thereon.

Who Is Eligible for the FASTag Pass?

This pass is only for private, non-commercial vehicles. Only cars, jeeps, and vans are eligible. Any misuse of this pass with a commercial vehicle may result in deactivation at once without prior notice. It is further restricted for use on NH and NE toll plazas and will not be applicable on other routes.

How to Apply for the FASTag Annual Pass

Application for the pass will be made available shortly through a special link. The link will be given on the official website of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the “Rajmarg Yatra” app. Customers will be able to enable the pass online without requiring a change in their current FASTag arrangement.

Existing Toll Pass Arrangement

Currently, toll regulars get monthly passes for ₹340 per toll plaza or annual passes for ₹4,080. These are typically released following document verification and are valid for particular toll booths. The new pass is wider in scope, though, for it covers any NH or NE toll plaza in the nation.