Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced a significant policy shift aimed at making travel on India’s National Highways more efficient and affordable. Starting August 15, the government will launch a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles priced at ₹3,000. This annual pass will be valid for one year from the activation date or for up to 200 trips—whichever occurs first. Exclusively meant for non-commercial vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans, this move is intended to promote smoother travel while addressing public concerns about toll charges and congestion.
The initiative is being positioned as a game-changer for India’s highway toll system. The new annual pass will allow seamless travel through toll plazas, helping motorists avoid repeated deductions and delays. Mr. Gadkari stated that a dedicated link for the pass’s activation and renewal will be made available soon through the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The aim is to simplify toll transactions with a single, affordable payment, cutting down on unnecessary stops and promoting ease of access across the national highway network.
This annual pass also responds to a long-pending public demand to resolve toll plaza issues, especially where they fall within a 60-kilometer stretch. By allowing up to 200 trips in a year, the policy balances user convenience with infrastructure funding. Gadkari emphasized that reducing wait times at toll booths will not only lower fuel consumption and emissions but also significantly improve the driving experience for millions of private vehicle owners. As the government continues to modernize the nation’s transport infrastructure, this initiative marks a major step forward in creating a digitally driven, commuter-friendly tolling system.
