The Indian Road Transport Department is set to launch a new FASTag annual pass system from August 15th, which will make toll payments on National Highways and Expressways easier and more affordable. This pass can be purchased for ₹3,000 and will facilitate up to 200 toll crossings, resulting in significant savings for vehicle drivers. This pass will be available only for private vehicles and will be valid for one vehicle.
FASTag Annual Pass: From August 15th, the Road Transport Department in India has announced the launch of the FASTag annual pass system. The aim of this scheme is to simplify and reduce the cost of the payment process at toll plazas. Private vehicle drivers traveling on National Highways and Expressways can purchase this annual pass for ₹3,000 and pass through toll plazas 200 times. This will bring the average cost per toll crossing to approximately ₹15, which is significantly less than traditional toll payments. This scheme is only for private vehicles, and the pass is valid for one vehicle only.
Facility Limited to Private Vehicles Only
The FASTag annual pass will only be available for private vehicles. This means that individuals who have jeeps, cars, vans, or similar vehicles registered in their name will be able to purchase this pass. However, this scheme's facility is not currently available for public transport vehicles such as buses, trucks, taxis, or commercial vehicles.
The purpose of this rule is to specifically benefit private vehicle owners, as these vehicles pass through toll plazas more frequently and consistently. A separate toll system will continue for commercial vehicles. Therefore, if you have a commercial vehicle, you will not be able to benefit from this annual pass.
Pass Valid for Only One Vehicle
The FASTag Annual Pass can only be used on the vehicle for which it was purchased. This pass is non-transferable. This means that once you have purchased this pass for a vehicle, you will not be able to use it in another vehicle.
The purpose of this rule is to prevent fraud and maintain transparency in toll collection. Therefore, if you have more than one vehicle, you will have to purchase a separate pass for each vehicle. This pass will be linked to the vehicle's registration number and matched with the vehicle's FASTag ID at the toll plaza.
Annual Pass Applicable Only on National Highways and Expressways
This annual pass will be valid only on the country's National Highways and Expressways. That is, with this pass, you can only pay at toll plazas located on national highways or expressways.
If you pass through roads under the State Government or toll plazas under the Municipal Corporation, you will have to pay toll separately there. This annual pass will not apply to State Expressways or state-level toll plazas.
Therefore, it is necessary to check before traveling whether your journey will be on a national highway or expressway so that you can take advantage of this pass.
Pass Cannot be Returned Once Purchased
The FASTag Annual Pass is non-refundable once purchased. This means that if you have purchased this pass, its money will not be refunded under any circumstances.
The pass will be valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever is completed first. Once the validity expires, a new pass will have to be purchased, and payment will have to be made again. It is necessary to understand this rule so that future plans are kept in mind at the time of purchase.
How to Buy FASTag Annual Pass?
Purchasing this pass is easy, and it can also be obtained online. For this, it will be necessary that FASTag is already active and properly installed on your vehicle.
You can use the following methods to purchase the pass:
- Highway Yatra App
- Official website of NHAI
- Website of MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
While purchasing the pass, you will have to enter the vehicle's registration number and FASTag ID. Payment can be made through online means, in which options of UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking will be available.
How Much Benefit Will Be From FASTag Annual Pass?
If you generally pay ₹50 per time at the toll plaza, then your total expenditure on crossing the toll 200 times will be ₹10,000. But through this annual pass, only ₹3,000 will be spent. In this way, there will be a direct saving of ₹7,000.
Not only is it financially beneficial, but there will be no need to stop repeatedly at toll plazas, which will make your journey faster and more comfortable.
