New FASTag Annual Pass for Hassle-Free Highway Travel Launching Soon
Introduction of the FASTag Annual Pass
New Delhi, June 18: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed on Wednesday the introduction of a FASTag-based annual pass priced at ₹3,000 for cars, set to take effect from August 15. He described this initiative as a significant advancement towards making highway travel more convenient.
The annual pass will be valid for one year from the activation date or until 200 trips are completed, whichever occurs first. This pass is specifically tailored for non-commercial private vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans.
With this annual pass, travelers can enjoy seamless and economical journeys across National Highways nationwide. A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be accessible via the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH, Gadkari noted.
He emphasized that this initiative addresses long-standing issues related to toll plazas within a 60-km radius and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. The goal is to reduce wait times, alleviate congestion, and minimize disputes at toll booths, thereby enhancing the travel experience for millions of private vehicle users.
In addition, Gadkari highlighted that the average annual construction of National Highways has surged by an impressive 130% from 2014 to 2024 compared to the previous decade. Over the last ten years, the total length of national highways constructed has reached 101,900 km, as he recently informed Parliament.
Currently, there are 1,366 projects underway across the country, covering approximately 32,366 km, including in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and all North-Eastern States. These projects are at various stages of completion and do not include those under consideration for termination. Most are expected to be completed in phases by the Financial Year 2028.
Over the last decade, the length of India’s national highways network has expanded by 60%, increasing from 91,287 km to 146,204 km. The pace of highway construction has accelerated from 11.6 km/day in 2014 to 34 km/day now. Furthermore, the Centre's investment in road infrastructure has increased by 6.4 times between 2013-14 and 2024-25, with the road transport and highway budget rising by 570% from 2014 to 2023-24, according to the latest government statistics.