Nitin Gadkari Announces FASTag Annual Pass at ₹3,000 for Hassle-Free Highway Travel

In a major push toward streamlining toll collection and enhancing the driving experience on Indian highways, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the launch of a FASTag annual pass priced at ₹3,000. This new initiative is designed to provide unlimited, cashless, and smooth travel across select national highways, especially for frequent travelers and commercial vehicle operators.

The move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to promote digital toll payment systems, reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, and support India’s transition toward smarter transportation infrastructure.

What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The newly introduced FASTag annual pass allows users to pay a flat fee of ₹3,000 per year for highway toll usage. Once activated, this pass will enable registered vehicles to travel seamlessly across designated highways without incurring per-trip toll charges.

This model is expected to benefit daily commuters, logistics operators, and intercity travelers who frequently use national highways and expressways. The goal is to provide a “hassle-free and interruption-free experience” while driving.

Features of the ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass

• One-time payment: Users pay ₹3,000 annually instead of multiple toll payments throughout the year.

• Unlimited access: Pass holders can make unlimited trips through FASTag-enabled toll plazas on participating highways.

• Reduced congestion: Fewer cash transactions and toll deductions mean faster processing and less wait time.

• Digital-first initiative: Supports the government’s Digital India and smart mobility vision.

• Convenience for commercial operators: Especially beneficial for truckers, transport fleets, and intercity buses.

Why This Move Matters

According to Nitin Gadkari, the FASTag system has already led to a significant drop in toll booth waiting times, but some areas still face delays due to manual intervention, payment issues, and verification glitches.

“We want to make India’s highways world-class and ensure travelers face zero inconvenience. The annual FASTag pass is a step toward completely digital tolling and hassle-free travel,” Gadkari said during the announcement.

India currently has over 8 crore FASTag users, with digital toll collection exceeding ₹5,000 crore per month. However, a flat-fee model for heavy users is expected to increase efficiency, reduce toll plaza load, and eliminate disputes related to toll calculations.

Implementation Timeline and Availability

The ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass will initially be rolled out on select national highways and expressways. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is expected to release a list of eligible routes in the coming weeks.

Users will be able to purchase the pass through:

• Official FASTag portals (e.g., NHAI, IHMCL)

• Partnered banks like ICICI, HDFC, SBI, Axis, etc.

• Mobile apps and wallet platforms integrated with FASTag

Renewal and management of the pass will be completely online, adding an extra layer of convenience for vehicle owners.

Government’s Long-Term Plan for Toll Collection

Nitin Gadkari has been vocal about transitioning India to a GPS-based tolling system, which could eventually eliminate physical toll plazas altogether. The annual pass announcement is seen as a stepping stone toward that vision.

By offering a fixed annual payment option, the government aims to gather data, optimize tolling technology, and ensure wider compliance with digital tolling infrastructure.

FAQs on the ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass

1. Who can use the FASTag annual pass?

The pass is available to all private and commercial vehicle owners who travel frequently on national highways. It’s especially useful for transport operators and daily commuters.

2. Is the ₹3,000 pass valid on all highways?

No, it will be valid only on designated national highways and expressways, which will be announced by the government soon.

3. Where can I buy the FASTag annual pass?

You can purchase it via official FASTag partner banks, NHAI’s online portal, or mobile apps linked with FASTag services.

4. Can the annual pass be transferred to another vehicle?

No, each pass is linked to a specific FASTag ID and vehicle registration number, so it is non-transferable.

5. Will this pass replace regular FASTag deductions?

Yes, for the selected routes under the pass, no additional deductions will be made once the ₹3,000 fee is pai

Nitin Gadkari’s announcement of the ₹3,000 FASTag annual pass marks a significant step in India’s journey toward smart and seamless highway travel. With reduced costs for frequent users, less congestion at toll booths, and the promise of digital convenience, this initiative is expected to be a game-changer for millions of highway commuters and logistics operators alike.