New Delhi : The Government has launched a FASTag Annual Pass Scheme for non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans, aimed at reducing frequent recharge and easing the user fee burden on National Highways. The scheme, effective from 15th August 2025, was introduced through an amendment in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, via Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 388(E) dated 17th June 2025.
Under this scheme, non-commercial vehicle owners can activate the Annual Pass on payment of Rs. 3,000, which allows unlimited travel on all National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for one year or up to 200 fee plaza crossings, whichever comes first. In a closed user fee collection system, a vehicle’s entry and exit through a fee plaza is considered a single crossing, thereby reducing repetitive toll payments for daily or frequent highway commuters.
Currently, the pass is applicable only on NHs and NEs. However, the Ministry has stated that if State Governments wish to introduce a similar system on State Highways or Expressways, full technical support and guidance will be provided to facilitate seamless implementation. This move is expected to encourage more efficient toll collection systems and improve convenience for vehicle owners traveling regularly across state and national road networks.
In addition to the Annual Pass, the Ministry has also rationalized user fee rates for certain highway sections. As per Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 437(E) dated 1st July 2025, the fee for a section comprising structures is calculated using a formula that considers either ten times the structure length added to the section length excluding structures, or five times the total section length, whichever is lower. This measure aims to make toll charges fairer for commuters and ensure that highway users are not overburdened by fees.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the Government’s continued efforts to reduce highway user costs, simplify toll payments, and promote smoother travel across India’s national road network. The initiative is expected to benefit millions of non-commercial vehicle owners by offering convenience, predictability, and cost savings in their daily travel.
