FASTag Annual Pass 2025 Launching August 15: ₹3,000 for 200 Trips or 1 Year – Optional for Highway Users

Starting August 15, 2025, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is rolling out a new option for regular highway commuters — the FASTag Annual Pass. Designed specifically for private cars, jeeps, and vans, this prepaid pass allows users to travel across designated toll plazas on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) without paying toll charges per trip. Instead, a one-time fee offers up to 200 trips or one full year of validity, whichever is reached first.

But is it mandatory? Can you skip it if you’re an occasional highway traveler? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this new system — how it works, how to activate it, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The FASTag Annual Pass is a fixed-fee tolling option for eligible private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans). Once activated, it enables unlimited access — up to 200 trips — through NHAI-managed National Highway and Expressway toll plazas without any additional toll deductions per crossing.

For a one-time fee of ₹3,000, users can enjoy smoother and cost-effective travel for a year or until they hit the 200-trip limit — whichever comes first. The program officially launches on 15th August 2025 and aims to ease the payment process for frequent commuters.

How to Activate the FASTag Annual Pass

To get started, vehicle owners need to go through a quick eligibility check. Here’s how the activation process works:

1. Eligibility Check: Your vehicle must be privately owned and linked to an active FASTag that is not blacklisted or registered only with a chassis number.

2. Payment: Once verified, you’ll be prompted to pay ₹3,000 for the 2025-26 base year.

3. Where to Apply: You can apply via the RajmargYatra mobile app or the official NHAI website.

4. Activation Time: After successful payment and verification, the Annual Pass is typically activated within 2 hours.

Is the FASTag Annual Pass Mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory. This new pass is entirely optional.

If you choose not to opt for the Annual Pass, your current FASTag setup remains unchanged. You will continue to pay toll charges per trip as usual, based on the applicable rates at each toll plaza. So whether you want to switch to the pass or stick with pay-as-you-go is completely your call.

Where Is the Annual Pass Applicable?

The pass covers only toll plazas managed by NHAI on:

National Highways (NH)

National Expressways (NE)

It does not apply to:

Toll plazas on State Highways (SH)

Privately-managed or state-managed expressways

Parking facilities or other toll-based locations managed by local bodies

At these locations, your FASTag will function like it currently does, deducting the standard toll charges per use.

Validity of the Annual Pass

The FASTag Annual Pass remains valid for:

One year from the date of activation, or

200 trips, whichever comes first

Once either limit is reached, your FASTag will automatically switch back to the regular mode, where standard toll deductions apply. If you wish to continue using the Annual Pass benefits, you’ll need to re-activate it by purchasing a new pass for the next period.

How Are Trips Counted?

The number of trips is calculated based on the type of toll system:

Point-Based Toll Plazas: Each crossing counts as one trip. If you make a round trip (going and returning), it will count as two trips.

Closed Tolling Systems: These are entry-exit based toll systems. A full journey from entry to exit is counted as one trip.

This makes the pass especially cost-effective for commuters who frequently travel the same routes.

The FASTag Annual Pass offers a flexible and value-driven alternative for those who are regular users of India’s national highways and expressways. With a fixed cost and no recurring toll charges up to 200 trips, it’s a convenient way to manage travel expenses — provided your routes fall under the NHAI-managed network.

However, it’s worth emphasizing that the pass is not compulsory. Occasional travelers or those who mostly use state highways or city expressways may find it more practical to continue using their regular FASTag as is.

Whether you choose to opt in or not, the goal of the FASTag system remains the same — faster, cashless, and smoother travel experiences across India’s road network.