Fastag annual pass explained: On June 18, Union Road Transport Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari announced Fastag Annual Pass to make the journey on national highways affordable and easy. This is an annual pass through which the expenditure of Rs 3,000 can be traveled up to the whole year or up to 200 trips. Apart from this, there are many more benefits of this annual pass which will improve the journey. But is this pass only for private vehicles or will it be benefited by commercial vehicles, let’s understand in detail Fastag Annual Pass System-
What is an annual pass?
First of all, know that the fastag enul pass is not a separate sticker or device. Rather, it is a subscription based plan to be activated on the existing fastag on vehicles. Which can be activated for one year or 200 trips in a fee of Rs 3,000. Currently, it will be implemented on a few selected highways such as National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE), where its facility is going to start soon.
When will it be implemented and how will the activate be done?
Fastag Annual Pass is planned to be implemented across the country from 15 August 2025. To take advantage of this service, users have to visit the highway travel app and the official websites of NHAI / MRTH where a new link will be made available soon. Through which you will be able to activate the annual pass on your fastag.
It is important to note here that the annual pass will not be active on those vehicles whose fastag is registered only by chassis number. It will be mandatory for such vehicle owners to update the vehicle registration number (VRN), only then they will be able to apply for the annual pass.
How will the trip count?
As mentioned above, only 200 trips can be traveled through this pass, for this the government has also told about how to count the trips. According to the ministry, there will be a trip count on crossing every toll on the point based fee plaza. At the same time, it will be considered as 2 trips if the round trip is installed. Both entry and exit will be considered the same trip on the closed tolling fee plaza.
Expect heavy savings:
Huge savings are expected from the new fastag annual pass. According to an estimate, compared to traditional toll charges and monthly passes, users can save from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,000 per year. However, it depends on how often they travel and how much distance they travel. This is a big thing for those using national highways.
Will commercial vehicles also get annual pass?
At present, the government has started the fastag annual pass only for private vehicles. In his post shared on social media, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that, “This pass has been specially prepared for non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans etc.). It does not include commercial vehicles.” Commercial vehicles will continue traveling using the fastag toll system as before.
Toll prices for commercial vehicles vary depending on several reasons. Which includes the type of vehicle (number of axles, size etc.), special toll plaza and distance traveled on toll road. Generally, large commercial vehicles such as trucks and multi-axle vehicles have to pay more than light commercial vehicles. Monthly pass is also released for these vehicles.
These roads will not apply:
Let us know that the fastag annual pass will only apply to the toll plans run by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). This pass will not be applicable to State Highway, Private-Run Toll Roads and State-Run Expressway. During the journey on these roads, the current toll collection system will be applicable at the moment. So do not forget to keep balance in your fastag.
Can the annual pass be transferred?
No, the annual pass will be released on the fastag of each vehicle. It can be used only for a vehicle. Apart from this, this plan cannot be transferred. Every fastag is issued on the chassis and vehicle registration number (VRN) of the vehicle. Therefore one pass will apply to only one vehicle.
Fastag Annual Pass Benefits:
- Freedom from the hassle of repeatedly fasting recharge.
- A journey of 200 trips throughout the year, will be economical against the current toll collection.
- Long line on toll will get rid of.
- Disputes on toll plazas will be avoided.
- There will be more transparency in the toll collection by traveling through a pass.
- Real time sms notification