Government to Launch FASTag-Based Annual Pass from August 15, 2025
FASTag Annual Pass: The Indian government is set to launch a new FASTag-based annual pass scheme starting August 15, 2025. Priced at ₹3,000, this pass will provide toll relief to private vehicle owners on national highways across the country. However, this scheme may impact the employment of workers at toll plazas. Let's understand the details.
What is the New FASTag Annual Pass Scheme?
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced that the government will introduce a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual pass from August 15, 2025. This pass will be valid for one year or 200 journeys, whichever comes first. This facility will be available only for private, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Under this scheme, vehicle drivers will be able to travel on national highways across the country without paying tolls repeatedly.
Objectives and Benefits of the Scheme
The government aims to reduce congestion, disputes, and time wastage at toll plazas. This scheme will eliminate the need for drivers to stop for toll payments, improving traffic flow. It will also promote digital payments. While FASTag is already implemented nationwide, this annual pass system is intended to provide greater convenience to the public.
Key Features of the Pass
- The pass is exclusively for private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans.
- Its validity is one year or 200 journeys, whichever comes first.
- The pass will be valid on national highways across India.
- Linked to FASTag, the pass will ensure automatic toll payments.
- It will be specifically applicable to toll plazas within a 60-kilometer radius.
How to Obtain and Activate the Pass
The government will soon release a dedicated link on the highway travel app, NHAI, and MoRTH websites. Vehicle owners will be able to purchase and activate this annual pass online. The entire process will be digital to ensure ease of access for users.
Potential Impact on Employment
While this scheme offers relief to vehicle drivers, it poses a threat to the employment of thousands of workers at toll plazas. Previously, toll booth staff were required for cash collection, ticket issuance, and dispute resolution. However, automated payments through FASTag and now this annual pass will significantly reduce the need for human intervention at toll plazas.
