Goodbye toll hassles: Nitin Gadkari unveils Rs 3,000 FASTag based annual pass

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Wednesday the launch of a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at just Rs 3,000.

Effective from August 15, 2025, this innovative policy promises to usher in a new era of seamless, cost-effective, and hassle-free journeys for millions of private vehicle owners.

In a post on X, Gadkari said, "In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025."

Important Announcement 📢

🔹In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from 15th August 2025. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes…

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 18, 2025

"Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips. The Annual Pass will enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country," Gadkari further said.

A game-changer for highway travel

The annual pass, valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first—is tailored exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.

By allowing unlimited access to India’s vast network of national highways with a single affordable payment, the pass addresses a long-standing grievance: the frequent toll plazas often spaced less than the mandated 60 km due to land and traffic constraints, as outlined in the 2008 Ministry of Road Transport & Highways fee rules.

According to a 2022 NHAI traffic flow study, reducing toll stops could cut congestion by up to 30%, a statistic that underscores the potential impact of this initiative. The pass leverages the National Electronic Toll Collection system, which a 2021 NPCI report credits with saving 15-20 minutes per toll plaza stop—a boon for the 1.4 lakh km of highways crisscrossing the nation.

How it works

Starting August 15, vehicle owners can activate or renew their passes through a dedicated link on the Rajmarg Yatra App or the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The pass aims to eliminate the frustration of long queues, minimise disputes at toll booths, and deliver a smoother travel experience.

“This is a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel,” Gadkari stated in his announcement, highlighting the policy’s potential to revolutionise commuting.