Good news for private vehicle owners! In a significant move to simplify highway travel and reduce costs, the government is introducing a FASTag-based annual pass priced at just ₹3,000. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed this development in an X post on Wednesday.
Key Details of the New Annual Pass
This innovative pass, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles, will be available starting August 15. Its validity extends for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
Minister Gadkari highlighted the benefits, stating, “The annual pass will enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country.” He also confirmed that a dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be accessible via the Rajmarg Yatra App and on the official websites of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways).
Addressing Commuter Concerns and Future Plans
This new policy directly addresses long-standing concerns regarding multiple toll plazas within short distances, particularly those within a 60 km range. It aims to streamline toll payments into a single, affordable transaction. By implementing this pass, the government anticipates “reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas,” ultimately providing a faster and smoother travel experience for millions.
Credit for the announcement goes to the image posted on X by @nitin_gadkari.
While there were previous discussions about a new toll policy last month, including rumors of a “distance-based” toll of ₹50 per 100 km, the minister’s current announcement confirms only the annual pass. It remains unclear if the distance-based option will also be implemented. It’s worth noting that an earlier proposal for a “lifetime FASTag” costing ₹30,000 for 15 years was previously shelved.
The new annual pass will leverage the existing FASTag infrastructure. Looking ahead, the ultimate goal is to replace traditional toll booths with advanced sensor-based collection systems, utilizing GPS and automated vehicle tracking for truly barrier-free travel.
Fact Check: The information presented is accurate, based on the public announcement made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on X. The details regarding the ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass, its August 15 launch, validity terms, and the official platforms for activation are consistent with his statement. The reference to previous discussions and shelved proposals provides context and is also factually correct in its historical mention. The official sources (NHAI, MoRTH, Rajmarg Yatra App) are correctly identified.