FASTag annual toll pass from August 15: Who can use it, how to activate, key rules explained

Starting August 15, 2025, private vehicle owners in India can opt for a FASTag-based annual toll pass allowing unlimited access across National Highway toll plazas—subject to a maximum of 200 crossings or one year of validity, whichever comes earlier.The policy, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on X and backed by a gazette notification dated June 17, aims to simplify toll payments, ease congestion, and reduce friction at toll booths nationwide.

What is the FASTag annual toll pass?

The annual toll pass is a prepaid toll facility offered at a fixed cost of ₹3,000. It is designed to enable seamless movement through National Highway toll plazas without multiple deductions.Once activated, the pass will remain valid for a year or until the vehicle completes 200 toll crossings, regardless of the toll amount applicable at each plaza.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this initiative falls under the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and will apply only on National Highways.

Who can use the annual pass?

The facility is exclusively available for non-commercial private vehicles, such as cars, jeeps, and vans. To be eligible, the vehicle must have a valid registration and a functional FASTag.

Commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, and taxis, are not covered under this pass.

How will toll crossings be counted?
The notification introduces a clarification regarding how toll crossings are measured. In closed-loop toll collection systems—where both entry and exit are recorded—a complete round trip through a single toll plaza will be counted as one crossing.This rule is expected to prevent disputes over double charges and promote fair usage tracking.

Where to activate and renew the pass?

Activation and renewal of the annual toll pass will be possible via a dedicated link that the government will soon make available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of MoRTH and NHAI.

Users will need to provide their vehicle details and FASTag ID to complete the activation process.

Will the fee stay fixed?

The ₹3,000 fee is subject to annual revision, starting from April 1 every year, as per Rule 3C introduced in the latest amendment. The changes will be made in accordance with Rule 5 of the principal toll rules, depending on inflation or policy updates.

Why this pass matters for highway users?

The introduction of this annual toll pass is expected to ease several pain points for private vehicle owners, including frequent toll deductions at short intervals, delays at toll booths, and confusion over applicable charges.

The pass simplifies the tolling process through a one-time payment model and helps reduce traffic buildup at collection points.

According to Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, Senior Director & Global Head at Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics, the new pass enhances travel convenience and operational efficiency. He noted that while the average passenger vehicle in India travels about 10,000 km per year—mostly off the national highway network—the impact on toll operators will be limited.

However, he added that for frequent highway users driving more than 2,500 to 3,000 km annually, the pass will offer meaningful savings and make long-distance road travel more seamless.