Over 140 thousand individuals purchased FASTag Annual Passes on their launch day, with approximately 1.39 million transactions conducted.
FASTag Annual Pass Offers Seamless Toll Payments for Frequent Private Vehicle Users
The FASTag Annual Pass, a prepaid toll payment option exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans, is now available in India. Priced at ₹3,000 per year, this pass covers up to 200 toll plaza trips or one-year validity on designated National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE), whichever occurs first.
Benefits
For frequent highway travelers, the FASTag Annual Pass offers several advantages. It can save up to 70–80% on toll charges compared to regular payments, potentially saving ₹5,000–7,000 annually. The pass also provides convenience and time efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple recharges and speeds up passage at toll booths by minimizing waiting time.
The pass simplifies toll management by avoiding frequent wallet balance maintenance and multiple transactions. It works with the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle’s registration number, so no new device or extra paperwork is needed. The pass is also eco-friendly as it reduces traffic jams and vehicle emissions due to less stopping at toll booths.
Requirements and Conditions
To be eligible for the FASTag Annual Pass, a vehicle must have an active FASTag linked to its Vehicle Registration Number (VRN). The pass is applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles; it is not valid for commercial, taxi, bus, or transport vehicles. The pass is valid only on toll plazas operated by the National Highways Authority of India on NH and NE roads; state highways or private roads require normal FASTag payments.
Up to one annual pass per vehicle is allowed; no multiple passes are allowed on the same vehicle. After 200 toll trips or one year, the FASTag reverts to normal payment mode and needs reactivation by paying ₹3,000 again. The required documents for activating the pass include the Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
Activation and Purchase
The FASTag Annual Pass can be activated through the NHAI or Ministry of Road Transport and Highways official portals or mobile apps like Rajmarg Yatra. On activation, toll fees on eligible highways are deducted from the pass with no additional charge until it expires. There is no auto-renewal; users must reapply after expiry.
FASTag Annual Pass: A Game-Changer for National Highway Travel
The FASTag Annual Pass eliminates the need for frequent recharges and offers a seamless and economical travel option for national highway users. With the overwhelming response from users and the strengthening of the 1033 National Highway Helpline, NHAI officials and nodal officers have been appointed at each toll plaza to ensure a smooth travel experience for pass users.
Queries of FASTag Annual Pass users are being addressed through various channels, and users are receiving SMS messages for zero deduction of toll fee. The introduction of the Annual Pass facility is expected to enhance the FASTag user experience and make journeys on the National Highways & Expressways more economical and seamless.
[1] National Highways Authority of India. (n.d.). FASTag Annual Pass. Retrieved from https://www.nhai.gov.in/faqs/fastag/fastag-annual-pass [2] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. (n.d.). FASTag Annual Pass. Retrieved from https://www.morth.gov.in/FASTag-Annual-Pass [3] Rajmarg Yatra. (n.d.). FASTag Annual Pass. Retrieved from https://www.rajmargyatra.com/fastag-annual-pass [4] The Hindu. (2021, March 9). FASTag Annual Pass: All you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/fastag-annual-pass-all-you-need-to-know/article34252497.ece [5] The Times of India. (2021, March 10). FASTag Annual Pass: Here's how it works. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/fastag-annual-pass-heres-how-it-works/articleshow/81638043.cms
- The FASTag Annual Pass, a convenient and eco-friendly toll payment solution, can also help achieve faster and smoother travel during sports tournaments held on National Highways & Expressways, as it eliminates waiting time at toll booths.
- In addition to providing seamless toll payments for frequent private vehicle users, the FASTag Annual Pass could potentially revolutionize the technology infrastructure of sports stadiums along National Highways, offering contactless and efficient parking and entry systems to enhance fan experiences during sporting events.
