The FASTag annual pass is aimed at benefitting frequent highway travellers.
The Government of India has introduced a FASTag annual pass for private vehicles. Priced at Rs 3,000, it provides up to 200 toll transactions in a year at plazas operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). We look at who can apply, what the conditions are, how to activate it, and what savings it actually brings.
Eligibility
The pass is designed for cars, jeeps, and vans that already use FASTag. To qualify, the tag must be active, linked with the vehicle’s registration number and backed by a wallet balance at the time of activation. Vehicles without FASTag, commercial fleets and two-wheelers are not covered.
Limitations
The scheme runs for one year from activation or until 200 trips are completed, whichever comes earlier. Once the limit is crossed, toll charges automatically shift back to normal per-trip deductions. Importantly, the pass is tied to one vehicle and cannot be transferred. Its coverage extends only to NHAI and MoRTH toll plazas, not to those managed by state highways.
Activation process
Activation is handled through the
Rajmargyatra mobile application:
* Download the app and log in using the number linked with FASTag.
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* Choose the 'Annual Pass' option.
* Vehicle details appear automatically from the FASTag system.
* Make the payment of Rs 3,000 via UPI, card, net banking or wallet.
* An SMS confirmation follows once the payment is successful.
Activation is nearly instant, and users can check the status within the app.
Rajmargyatra app
The Rajmargyatra app functions as a single platform for highway users. Apart from FASTag balance checks and recharges, it allows complaints to be filed and tracked. It also offers overspeeding alerts, real-time weather updates, voice assistance and support in 12 languages.
Savings
At Rs 3,000 for 200 trips, the average cost comes at Rs 15 per journey. Now, the national highway tolls generally vary between Rs 40 and Rs 100, and a commuter paying Rs 50 per trip would spend close to Rs 10,000 in a year. With the annual pass, that cost is capped at Rs 3,000 -- a saving of around Rs 7,000. Travellers with fewer than 60 trips annually may find regular FASTag charges more suitable.
Outlook
The FASTag annual pass is aimed at benefitting frequent highway travellers by simplifying payments and reducing costs. However, whether a user benefits depends on how often he or she drives and whether the trips fall within the 200-transaction limit.
