Latest news with #AnnualPass
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Loose FASTag users to be blacklisted by NHAI, no more ‘tag-in-hand' at toll plazas. Know more
Loose FASTags will be reported and blacklisted immediately after detection. Check Offers The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is ready to take strict action against the national highway users who don't paste the FASTag stickers on the designated spot on the car windshield. The NHAI has further strengthened its policy of immediately reporting and blacklisting of loose FASTags, which is a practice commonly known as 'tag-in-hand'. The agency aims to take this step in an attempt to curb toll fraud and ease congestion at toll plazas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in an official statement has said that this move will make the toll operations further smooth. The release also stated that in view of upcoming initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, it is critical to address this issue to ensure FASTag authenticity and system reliability. With the move, the authority has further streamlined its policy for the toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report loose FASTags. Why this step? FASTags are sometimes deliberately not fixed on the windscreen of the vehicle by the owners. Such practices often pose operational challenges leading to lane congestion, generation of false chargebacks, misuse in closed-loop tolling systems, causing overall disruption of the electronic toll collection framework, resulting in unnecessary delays at toll plazas and inconvenience to other national highway users, the release highlighted. To ensure timely corrective measures, NHAI has provided a dedicated email address and has directed the toll collection agencies and concessionaires to immediately report such loose FASTags. Based on the reports received, NHAI will take immediate action to initiate blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags. Currently, more than 98 per cent of the total vehicular population using the national highways across India use FASTag for paying toll charges. This system has revolutionised the electronic toll collection system in India. However, the loose FASTags or tag-in-hand pose a challenge to the efficiency of electronic toll collection operations. Move comes ahead of Annual Pass launch The move comes ahead of the launch of the Annual Pass for FASTag users. Earlier in June 2025, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government has decided to introduce a FASTag-based annual pass to ensure seamless and cost-effective travel across the country's national highways. The FASTag-based Annual Pass will be priced at ₹ 3000 and valid for one year from the date of activation or for a maximum of 200 trips. It will be launched on Independence Day this year. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 13 Jul 2025, 09:01 am IST
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
FASTag Annual Pass: 8 Key Questions Answered Ahead Of Its Launch
The FASTag annual pass will be launched next month on August 15. It was introduced by the Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, who claimed that it would benefit the users and provide hassle-free travel. The Annual Pass will be available only for private vehicles, such as cars, jeeps and vans, at designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for one year or 200 trips (whichever comes first). There will be no per-trip charges. Here Are 8 Frequently Asked Questions Around FASTag Annual Pass Q1. Where to get the Annual Pass? The government said that the Annual Pass can be activated only on the Rajmargyatra mobile application and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website. Q2. How will the Annual Pass be activated? The Annual Pass will be activated after verifying the eligibility of the vehicle and the associated FASTag. The user must make a payment of Rs3,000 for the base year 2025-26 through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the NHAI website after verification. The pass will be activated on the registered FASTag normally within two hours. Q3. If I already have a FASTag, do I need to buy a new one for the Annual Pass? The government has said that the Annual Pass can be activated on your existing FASTag; there's no need to buy a new one. But make sure the FASTag is properly affixed on the vehicle's windshield, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), not blacklisted. Q4. How long is the Annual Pass valid? The Annual Pass is valid for one year from the date of activation or 200 transactions (trips), whichever comes first. Once the Annual Pass completes either 200 trips or one year from the date of activation, it will automatically revert to a regular FASTag. The user can reactivate. Q5. Can an Annual Pass be transferred to another vehicle? No, the pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered. If a user uses it on another vehicle, it will be deactivated. Q6. Can I get an Annual Pass if my FASTag is registered using a chassis number? The Annual Pass can't be issued on FASTags registered only with a chassis number. The users need to update the VRN to activate the Annual Pass. Q7. What counts as a single trip under the Annual Pass? As per NHAI, for point-based fee plazas, each crossing of fee plaza counts as one trip. A round trip (to and fro) counts as two trips. Meanwhile, for closed tolling fee plazas, one pair of entry and exit counts as one trip. Q8. Is the Annual Pass mandatory, or what if a road user doesn't want to opt for the Annual Pass? The Annual Pass is not mandatory; the existing FASTag system will continue to operate as is. If users don't want to opt for the Annual Pass, they can continue to use their FASTag for regular transactions.
India Today
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
FASTag Annual Pass now listed on NHAI website: Check eligibility and how to apply
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken the first step towards launching its new FASTag Annual Pass by listing it on its official website. Although the pass is not yet available for purchase, a banner has gone live with key information such as price, usage limit, and validity. The official rollout will happen on August 15, which is when India's Independence Day is celebrated. The new pass is meant to make highway travel easier for people who use private vehicles frequently. Instead of paying toll charges every time, eligible users will be able to pay a one-time fee and enjoy free travel for a limited number of trips or a fixed time Annual Pass: What is it, validity, when will it work, other detailsadvertisementThe FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid plan designed to reduce toll hassles for non-commercial vehicle users. According to the current details, the pass will allow 200 toll-free trips or will remain valid for one year from the date of activation, whichever comes first. Once either of these limits is reached, the user's FASTag will automatically switch back to the regular pay-per-use pass will only work at toll plazas run directly by NHAI. It will not be accepted on state highways, roads operated by private agencies, or state-run expressways. So, users should make sure their regular routes fall under NHAI coverage before opting for this can apply? This annual pass is meant only for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Not all FASTag users will be able to purchase it. There are certain conditions that must be met:advertisement-The vehicle must have an active FASTag installed on its windshield.-The FASTag must be properly linked with the full Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), not just a chassis number.-The FASTag must not be blacklisted or flagged for any whose FASTags are still connected to temporary numbers will need to update their information before the application process Annual Pass: How to apply and where to buyOnce the pass becomes available from August 15, users will be able to buy it from official government platforms. These include the Rajmarg Yatra mobile app and the websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). People are advised to avoid using third-party websites or apps to prevent application process will be entirely online. Here is how it will work:1. Confirm that your FASTag is active and linked to a valid VRN.2. Visit the official Rajmarg Yatra app or NHAI website.3. Enter your vehicle and FASTag details.4. Pay the one-time fee of Rs 3,000 using the available digital payment options.5. After successful verification, the pass will be activated and you will receive a confirmation via trip counting worksThe number of trips will be tracked depending on the toll system used. On point-based toll plazas (open systems), every one-way crossing counts as one trip. So, a return journey in a single day will count as two trips. On closed systems, where tolls are charged from entry to exit, the full journey will be considered one happens after the pass expires?When the user completes 200 trips or crosses the one-year time frame, the annual pass will automatically end. There is no need to replace the FASTag. It will go back to normal mode and tolls will be deducted from the user's FASTag wallet on a per-trip basis. If someone wants to renew the plan, they can purchase a new pass following the same process.- Ends
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Watch: Zip through highways: ₹3,000 FASTag pass offers unlimited travel from Aug 15
The Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has just announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass, designed to make highway travel smoother and more affordable for private vehicle owners. Starting August 15, 2025, private car owners can opt for a ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass. This is available only for non-commercial vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans. Commercial vehicles are not allowed under this scheme. Interestingly, lorry owners are now asking the government to extend a similar pass to commercial vehicles too. This Annual Pass is valid only on toll plazas operated by the National Highways Authority of India, which means it applies to National Highways and Expressways. If you're driving on a State Highway or a toll road run by a local body or a private operator, you'll still have to pay the regular toll. Trip calculation depends on the type of toll system. At point-based toll plazas, one crossing is counted as one trip. If you're doing a round trip, that's two trips. On closed toll systems like some expressways entering and exiting once counts as one trip. To activate the Annual Pass, you first need to ensure your FASTag is active and properly fixed to your vehicle. Then, visit the RajmargYatra app or the NHAI website. Once there, enter your vehicle and FASTag details, pay ₹3,000, and you're good to go. You'll receive an SMS confirmation once the pass is activated. The pass is valid either for 200 trips Once either limit is reached, your FASTag will automatically return to the regular toll deduction mode. And if you exhaust your trips before the year ends, you can recharge and get a new pass for another ₹3,000. Although this is completely optional. You can continue using your regular FASTag without the annual pass. But if you're someone who travels frequently maybe you commute daily road trips this pass could help you save anywhere between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 a year. The government hopes the Annual Pass will ease some of the most common frustrations among highway users things like high toll charges, too many toll plazas in short stretches, and time lost in long queues. The Ministry says this move will help reduce congestion, avoid disputes, and make highway travel faster and fairer.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
FASTag annual pass is not a magic bullet: With limited validity, non refundable deposit and other limitations, it is not meant for everyone
What is the FASTag Annual Pass? FASTAg annual pass cannot use it under these conditions Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The FASTag Annual Pass offers convenience and cost savings for frequent travelers on national highways, but it also comes with several limitations that users should be aware of before opting in. From restrictions on vehicle types and limited geographic coverage to non-transferability and strict usage terms, the Annual Pass may not suit every road user. Understanding these drawbacks is essential to determine whether the pass truly offers value based on an individual's travel patterns and needs. The Annual Pass will be effective from August 15, 2025. If you are planning to buy one ET Wealth tells you what are the factors you must check before you Pass activated on the FASTag allows free passage of private car/jeep/van at designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for one year or 200 trips (whichever is earlier), without per-trip user fee Annual Pass can be activated on your existing FASTag, provided it meets the eligibility read: FASTag annual pass: How to activate it in your existing FASTag account? Check how to purchase, validity and more The Annual Pass is only available for private, non-commercial cars/jeeps/ pass costs Rs 3,000 upfront, regardless of how many trips you make. If you end up taking fewer than 200 trips in a year, you lose the unused value, and there will not be any refunds. Once activated, the pass is non-transferable. It is tied to a specific FASTag and annual pass is valid only on National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas. So, if you are a frequent traveler on state highway tolls, Expressways run by state or local authorities, this pass is not the pass to be activated, the FASTag must be properly affixed to the vehicle's windshield and linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), not blacklisted can be confusion in counting the number of trips if users are not aware of the rules. For point-based fee plazas, each crossing counts as one trip, so a round trip (to and fro) counts as two trips. For closed tolling fee plazas, one complete entry and exit pair is counted as a single check the finer details you may also refer to following FAQ on Annual Pass facility for FASTag UsersIt is valid only at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas. At fee plazas on Expressways, State Highways (SH), etc. managed by State Governments or local bodies, parkings etc. the FASTag will operate as a regular FASTag, and applicable user fee charges may Annual Pass is valid for one year from the date of activation or 200 transactions (trips), whichever comes first. Once the Annual Pass completes either 200 trips or one year from the date of activation, it will automatically revert to a regular FASTag. To continue using the Annual Pass benefits, the user will need to re-activate the Annual Pass to get 200 trips / 1 year The Annual Pass is applicable only for private non-commercial car/jeep/van after checking through VAHAN database. Use in any commercial vehicle will result in immediate deactivation without The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered. Using it on another vehicle will lead to The Annual Pass will be activated only on FASTags properly affixed to the windshield of the registered The Annual Pass cannot be issued on FASTags registered only with a chassis number. You must update the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) to activate the Annual point-based fee plazas: Each crossing of fee plaza counts as one trip. A round trip (to and fro) counts as two Closed Tolling fee plazas: One pair of entry and exit counts as one trip.
