FASTag Annual Pass: 200 Toll-Free Trips Awaits
India's highway travel is about to experience a significant transformation with the introduction of the FASTag Annual Pass, set to launch on August 15, coinciding with Independence Day. This initiative by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to simplify toll payments and reduce costs for frequent commuters on national highways.
The FASTag Annual Pass allows owners of private cars, jeeps, and vans to pay a one-time fee of ₹3,000. This fee grants access to up to 200 toll-free trips or valid for one year, whichever comes first. This means that for a fixed cost, travelers can enjoy the convenience of traveling without worrying about paying tolls at each plaza.
To avail of this pass, users can link it to their existing FASTag, provided it meets eligibility criteria, such as being displayed correctly on the vehicle's windshield. The process is straightforward: users need to visit the Rajmarg Yatra app or the NHAI/MoRTH website, log in with their vehicle registration number and FASTag ID, and make the payment.
Once the payment is confirmed, the pass will be activated on the FASTag within two hours. Each time the vehicle passes through a FASTag-enabled toll plaza managed by NHAI or MoRTH, one trip will be deducted from the pass balance. However, it's essential to note that the pass is non-transferable and non-refundable, linked specifically to the vehicle it was purchased for.
The FASTag Annual Pass is valid only on designated national highways and expressways under NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). For tolls on state highways or municipal roads, the normal FASTag charges will still apply. This means that while traveling on major routes like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, travelers can benefit from this new scheme and save money.
Despite its advantages, the FASTag Annual Pass does not have an auto-renewal feature. Once it expires after 200 trips or one year, users will need to reapply manually to renew it. This initiative is expected to enhance the travel experience for many Indians, making highway commuting more affordable and less stressful.
As August 15 approaches, highway travelers can look forward to a new way to streamline their trips and enjoy the freedom of the open road without toll hassles.
