If you frequently commute on India’s vast national highway network maintained by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), there’s a major change coming in the way you pay toll taxes. Earlier this year, the NHAI introduced a new toll pass system in a bid to make toll payments for frequent highway commuters a lot easier and cost-effective. That new toll pass system is now coming into effect from August 15.
The new annual pass for FASTag, slated to become effective on August 15, 2025 is priced at Rs 3,000 for a year. This initiative aims to streamline travel for private vehicle owners by offering significant toll benefits. The annual pass, designed for non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans, provides either 200 toll-free trips or one year of validity, whichever limit is reached first. This pass will be applicable on designated National Highways and Expressways.
FASTag annual pass: Activation and eligibility details
Activation of the FASTag annual pass can be conveniently completed through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the official National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website. Once activated, the pass becomes functional within two hours, following successful verification of the associated vehicle and FASTag, along with the payment confirmation.
It’s important to note that while the annual pass covers toll plazas on National Highways and Expressways, FASTag will continue to operate as a regular toll collection system on State Highways, state-managed expressways, and local body roads, where standard user fees will still apply.
FASTag pass limitations and re-activation
Upon exhausting the 200-trip limit or the one-year validity, the annual pass will revert to a standard FASTag. Users wishing to continue enjoying the benefits of the annual pass will need to reactivate it from the website.
How to activate FASTag annual pass:
– Access the Rajmargyatra mobile application on your smartphone or navigate to the official NHAI website.
– Log in to the portal using your existing FASTag credentials. You might be asked to provide your registered mobile number, vehicle registration number, and FASTag ID.
– The system will automatically verify your vehicle’s eligibility and the associated FASTag. This check ensures your vehicle meets the criteria for the annual pass.
– Upon successful verification, you will be prompted to make a payment of Rs 3,000 for the base year 2025-26. You can typically use various digital payment options such as UPI, Internet Banking, debit cards, or credit cards.
– Once your payment is successfully confirmed, the annual pass will be activated on your registered FASTag. You should receive a confirmation via SMS or email. The activation typically occurs within two hours of successful payment and verification.
– You do not need to purchase a new FASTag for the annual pass. It will be activated on your existing one, provided it meets the eligibility criteria.
– The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered.
