FASTag Annual Pass Explained: Who’s Eligible, How to Apply, and Why Now?

In June this year, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had rolled out a new Annual FASTag Pass priced at ₹3,000, offering up to 200 toll transactions or a year, whichever comes first, for private, non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans. The pass, effective from August 15, 2025, aims to ease the lives of frequent highway travellers, allowing them to make unlimited commutes without worrying about topping up balances or paying at every toll plaza.

What Is FASTag & Why This Pass Matters

FASTag 101: India's electronic tolling introduced RFID-based FASTag in 2014. It allows vehicles to zip through toll booths without stopping, making tolling seamless and contactless. 

What's new? The annual pass replaces frequent top-ups with a single prepaid plan-like a season ticket-giving up to 200 toll uses in a year. 

Who Can Apply & How It Works

• Only private, non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) are eligible. Commercial use, like cabs and trucks, cannot avail of this scheme.
• Your FASTag must be active, properly affixed on the windshield, and linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN). Tags registered only with chassis numbers need updating. 
• Non-transferable: The Pass is tied to the specific FASTag, and it cannot be moved to another car.

Activation Process:

• Log in via your FASTag issuer (banks or apps) or the Rajmargyatra app/NHAI website.
• Select the Annual Pass option, complete payment of ₹3,000.
• After eligibility checks, the pass activates-usually within two hours-and your 200-trip counter begins 

How Trips Are Counted

Point-based plazas: Each crossing equals one trip. A return trip = two trips.

Closed toll systems: One combined entry-and-exit counts as a single trip. 

What Happens When You Run Out

Once you hit 200 trips or one year-whichever is earlier-the system automatically switches your FASTag back to the usual pay-as-you-go mode. You can opt to purchase a new annual pass if you wish to continue the subscription benefits. 

Coverage & Limitations

Where it works:

• Valid only at toll plazas on National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE), like the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Mumbai–Nashik, Mumbai–Surat, and Mumbai–Ratnagiri routes, among others.
• Outside these types of state highways or municipal tolls, your FASTag works as usual, deducting standard tolls, such as Mumbai–Pune Expressway, Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg), Atal Setu, Agra–Lucknow, Bengaluru–Mysore, and Ahmedabad–Vadodara expressways, which are managed by state bodies or agencies, not NHAI.
• However, it is better to check with the local authorities for further clarity.

What's not covered:

• No rollover or refunds are allowed for unused trips.
• Fully prepaid- ₹3,000 isn't refundable if you don't utilise all trips 

Who Benefits & What's at Stake

Advantageous for:

• Frequent commuters, long-distance motorists, or logistics users who cross multiple tolls daily-often saving up to 70-80% per trip compared to regular toll rates.

Drawbacks:

• Occasional highway users may not recoup the upfront ₹3,000.
• Toll operators may see a 4-8% drop in revenue from private vehicle traffic, shifting funding dynamics.

Bottom Line: Smart for Regular Users, Not for Everyone

The FASTag Annual Pass is a practical, time-saving boon for regular highway travellers-offering predictability, faster toll traversal, and tangible savings. But for sporadic users, the deal may fall short. With the deadline just days away, calculate your yearly toll usage before hopping on board.