The FASTag system, India’s electronic toll collection mechanism managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is set to introduce a significant upgrade with the launch of the FASTag Annual Pass on August 15, 2025. This pass is designed to provide convenience and cost-effectiveness to private vehicle owners who frequently travel on national highways and expressways. Unlike the regular FASTag recharge system, the Annual Pass offers a prepaid plan allowing up to 200 toll crossings or one year of validity, whichever is earlier. This initiative aims to streamline toll payments, reduce repeated online transactions, and enhance the travel experience. Know what is FASTag Annual Pass, eligibility criteria, step-by-step purchase instructions, and post-activation usage.
What is the FASTag Annual Pass
The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll payment plan introduced by the Government of India, specifically for non-commercial, private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass offers travelers the convenience of paying a fixed amount upfront—Rs 3,000—for either 200 toll transactions or one year of validity from the activation date, whichever comes first. The Annual Pass does not require users to recharge their FASTag accounts multiple times during the year, thus simplifying toll payments for frequent highway users.This pass works in conjunction with the existing FASTag, meaning there is no need to purchase a new tag. Instead, the annual pass will be linked to the user’s current FASTag, provided it meets all eligibility requirements. The FASTag Annual Pass applies to toll plazas operated by NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on national highways and expressways but does not cover local toll roads or state highways not integrated into the FASTag system.
How to purchase the FASTag Annual Pass before 15 August 2025: Step-by-step guide
The purchase of the FASTag Annual Pass is designed to be user-friendly and fully online. The steps involved are:
- Access the official platform
Users can buy the annual pass through the Rajmarg Yatra application or the official NHAI/MoRTH portal. These platforms provide secure access to FASTag services.
- Login or enter vehicle and FASTag details
Users need to log in using their registered mobile number or directly enter their vehicle registration number and FASTag ID if not logged in.The system checks if the FASTag is active, properly attached, and linked with the correct vehicle registration. It also confirms that the FASTag is not blacklisted.After eligibility is confirmed, users pay Rs 3,000 online using multiple payment options like UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.Upon successful payment, the Annual Pass is linked to the existing FASTag account and vehicle registration.Users receive an SMS confirmation notifying them that the pass will activate on August 15, 2025.It is important to note that the activation date is fixed and does not depend on the purchase date, meaning the pass will only become operational on Independence Day.
FASTag Annual Pass eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the FASTag Annual Pass, certain conditions must be met:
- Active FASTag: The existing FASTag on the vehicle must be active and not blacklisted due to any violations or pending dues.
- Proper affixation: The FASTag must be properly affixed to the vehicle’s windshield, ensuring it can be scanned at toll plazas without issues.
- Vehicle registration link: The Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) must be correctly linked to the FASTag account. This linkage allows for smooth verification during toll collection.
- Private vehicle restriction: The pass is available only for private, non-commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses are not eligible for this prepaid annual pass.
- No blacklist status: Accounts that are blacklisted due to fraudulent activity or violations cannot avail the pass.
Meeting these criteria ensures that the pass integrates effectively with the FASTag system and that the vehicle can avail the prepaid benefit without interruption.
What will happen after activation of the FASTag Annual Pass on 15 August 2025
After the FASTag Annual Pass is activated on August 15, 2025, it allows the vehicle to use up to 200 toll crossings on eligible highways and expressways within the one-year validity period. Each time the vehicle crosses a toll plaza integrated with the FASTag system, one toll transaction is deducted from the 200-trip quota. The pass enables cashless toll payments without requiring additional top-ups or recharge until the transaction limit or validity period is reached. After either limit is exhausted, the system will automatically revert to the normal FASTag pay-per-use mode, and the user will have to pay tolls as per standard procedures.The FASTag Annual Pass is specifically designed to reduce the inconvenience of frequent recharging and ensure smoother toll plaza transactions for regular travelers.
Important conditions and limitations of the FASTag Annual Pass
Several conditions apply to the usage of the FASTag Annual Pass:
- Non-transferability: The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the specific vehicle to which the FASTag is registered and affixed.
- Non-refundable: Payments made for the Annual Pass are non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Limited toll coverage: The pass is valid only on toll plazas managed by NHAI and MoRTH within the national highway and expressway network. It is not applicable for tolls on state highways, local roads, or private toll operators.
- No automatic renewal: After expiry, users must purchase a new Annual Pass manually if they wish to continue using the prepaid facility.
- SMS alerts: Users receive notifications for transactions and pass usage to keep track of their remaining balance.
FASTag Annual Pass: Common FAQs
When will the FASTag Annual Pass be availableIt takes effect on August 15, 2025, aligning with Independence Day. Who is eligible for this pass?Only non-commercial private vehicles with an active FASTag properly affixed, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), and not blacklisted. Do I need to buy a new FASTag to use the Annual Pass?No. You can activate the annual pass on your existing FASTag, provided it meets eligibility conditions. Where and how can I activate the Annual Pass?Activation is available via official NHAI/MoRTH websites. Post eligibility verification, pay Rs 3,000 online, and the pass activates—typically within a few hours. What happens once the 200-trip limit or one-year validity is reached?The FASTag automatically reverts to the standard pay-per-use mode. You can then choose to purchase the pass again if desired. Does the Annual Pass cover all toll roads in India?No. It covers only NHAI and central government-managed expressway toll plazas. Tolls on state highways or private operators remain chargeable per trip.
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