New Annual FASTag Plan Goes Into Effect on August 15 — Find Out Where It Works and How It Compares to the Monthly Pass
Starting August 15, in celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day, the FASTag Annual Pass officially comes into effect. Launched by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), this new annual plan aims to save frequent commuters both time and money on toll payments.
✅ FASTag Annual Pass Highlights
- Valid only on National Highways & Expressways
- Available for private cars, jeeps, and vans
- Cost: ₹3,000 annually
- Valid for: 200 trips or 1 year (whichever comes first)
- Savings: Up to ₹1,080 compared to monthly pass
- Non-transferable & tied to the registered vehicle
📍 Where Is FASTag Annual Pass Valid?
The FASTag Annual Pass can only be used on National Highways and Expressways.
However, your FASTag will continue to function normally on State Highways and other expressways — but standard toll charges will apply outside the annual pass coverage.
Note: The annual pass will not cover tolls on State Highways.
🚗 Eligible Vehicles
Only certain types of vehicles can use the FASTag Annual Pass:
- ✅ Eligible: Private cars, jeeps, and vans
- ❌ Not Eligible: Commercial vehicles, trucks, goods carriers
If a commercial vehicle is found using the Annual Pass, the FASTag will be deactivated immediately without prior notice.
🔁 Trip Limit & Validity
- Each toll crossing counts as one trip.
- You can make up to 200 trips with the Annual Pass.
- After 200 trips or 12 months, whichever comes first, the pass expires.
- Users must reactivate the pass to continue using the annual benefits.
💰 Cost Comparison: Annual vs Monthly Pass
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Total Yearly Expense | Yearly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | ₹340 | ₹340 x 12 | ₹4,080 | – |
| Annual Pass | – | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹1,080 |
🎯 Who Should Buy the FASTag Annual Pass?
The Annual Pass is ideal for:
- Daily highway commuters
- Sales reps & delivery drivers
- Long-distance travellers
- Frequent road trippers
- Highway-dependent business travellers
🧾 Other Key Terms & Conditions
- The FASTag Annual Pass is non-transferable.
- It is linked to one registered vehicle only.
- If used on another vehicle, the pass will be deactivated by the system.
🕒 Why the Annual Pass Makes Sense
- No need to recharge FASTag monthly
- Avoid unexpected toll deductions
- Easier to track expenses and plan budgets
- Convenient for regular highway users
🔎 How to Buy the FASTag Annual Pass?
Users can purchase the FASTag Annual Pass through:
- Official FASTag issuing banks
- NHAI FASTag portal
- IHMCL website or partner platforms
📝 Conclusion
The launch of the FASTag Annual Pass offers a smart, cost-effective solution for private vehicle owners who frequently travel on National Highways. With savings of up to ₹1,080 per year and added convenience, this move is expected to benefit lakhs of Indian commuters. However, understanding its limitations—particularly its validity scope and vehicle eligibility—is essential before opting in.
