Annual FASTag Pass: The government has launched a FASTag-based annual toll pass to make highway travel easier and cheaper. This pass is available for Rs. 3000 and can be used for one year or a maximum of 200 toll crossings. The objective of this scheme is to reduce the hassle of frequent toll payments and provide cost relief to regular commuters. This facility was implemented on August 15, 2025, and is specifically designed for private vehicles.

Which vehicles are eligible for the annual pass?

According to the government, this pass applies only to non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. It cannot be used in any commercial or goods-carrying vehicle. If a commercial vehicle uses it, the pass may be deactivated.

Government’s stance on taxis and cabs

In response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha, the government clarified that there is currently no proposal to include taxis, cabs, or aggregator services in the annual toll pass scheme. The government believes that a separate system already exists for commercial vehicles, so there are no plans to change this policy at present.

What relief is available for commercial vehicles?

According to the government, commercial vehicles are provided with local discounts or monthly passes in many places. This is especially true for vehicles that regularly travel on a particular route. This arrangement is determined at the state and local levels.

State and Central Government Authority

The authority to levy entry taxes or other vehicle taxes on taxis traveling from one state to another rests with the states. The central government cannot unilaterally decide to standardize these taxes or implement them at the national level. This is part of the federal structure.

Drivers’ safety and working regulations

The working hours of drivers are already regulated under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Transport Workers Act. According to the rules, the working limit is set at 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. In addition, the implementation of measures such as a two-driver system for long-distance journeys, driver fatigue detection technology, and a control center has also been recommended.

What changes are possible in the future?

The government’s current focus is on making the toll system digital and faster. New features may be considered in the future based on need and demand, but for now, the annual FASTag pass is limited to private vehicles.

About the Author

Rohit P

My name is Rohit Pal, and I have been working in the field of journalism for the past five years. During this time, I have written on a variety of topics, including business, automobiles, technology, and politics. I have worked with several major organizations and am currently working with Timesbull.

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