In a major move to enhance highway travel efficiency and reduce toll congestion, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced a new Rs 3,000 annual FASTag pass scheme. Set to be implemented from August 15, 2025, the initiative will allow private vehicle owners to make 200 toll-free trips per year on select national highways, aiming to streamline toll collections and provide relief to regular commuters.
The announcement was made during an event in New Delhi where Gadkari emphasized the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and commuter convenience. The new FASTag pass will apply only to private four-wheeler vehicles and will be valid across select stretches of National Highways where the scheme is introduced.
Gadkari stated, “With this initiative, we are offering frequent travelers a cost-effective and hassle-free toll payment option. This is a step towards a more automated, transparent, and digitally-enabled toll system.”
The Rs 3,000 annual fee will be collected through the FASTag platform, which has already seen massive adoption across India. Vehicles using the pass will not be charged for toll on up to 200 trips per year; beyond that, normal FASTag toll charges will apply.
The scheme is expected to benefit daily commuters, particularly those traveling between urban hubs and suburban areas for work or education. By capping toll expenses annually, the government also aims to reduce the financial burden on middle-class citizens.
Additionally, the move aligns with the Ministry’s broader goals, which include transitioning to a GPS-based toll collection system in the future to fully eliminate toll plazas. Gadkari reiterated that the ministry is actively working to pilot satellite-based tolling to ensure seamless travel and minimal traffic delays.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon release a list of highways and stretches eligible under this scheme. Further, details about pass registration, recharge processes, and enforcement mechanisms will be made available on the official FASTag portal and mobile app.
