The National Highways Authority of India will commence the issuance of the pass starting from August 15 at a cost of Rs 3,000.
On Wednesday, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the introduction of a FASTag-based annual pass, which will take effect from August 15. The Annual Toll Pass (ATP) will be priced at Rs 3,000, a reduction from the previous cost of Rs 10,000, and will remain valid for one year from the activation date or until 200 visits have been made, whichever occurs first. This policy aims to streamline toll payments, reduce congestion, and minimize delays at toll booths nationwide.
What is the Validity?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will commence the issuance of the pass starting August 15 for Rs 3,000. It will be valid for one year from the date of purchase or for 200 trips at National Highway and Expressway toll plazas. Once the trip limit is exceeded, an ATP can be renewed for an additional year.
Alternatively, users may opt to utilize the FASTag, as acquiring an ATP is not a prerequisite for traveling on the NHAI network. Those who prefer to continue using FASTag are welcome to do so. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this initiative is part of the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Who Can Use the Annual Pass?
The pass is specifically intended for non-commercial private vehicles, which include cars, jeeps, and vans. To qualify for this facility, the vehicle must possess a valid registration and a functioning FASTag. Commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, or taxis are not eligible for this pass.
Where to Activate and Renew the Pass?
The annual toll pass can be activated and renewed through a dedicated link that the government will soon provide on the Rajmarg Yatra App, as well as on the official websites of MoRTH and NHAI. To complete the activation process, users will need to input their vehicle information along with their FASTag ID.
Can an Annual Travel Pass Assist You in Saving Money?
According to the ministry, frequent users can save as much as Rs 7,000 annually, since the average toll fee will decrease from Rs 50 to Rs 15 per journey. “By minimizing wait times, alleviating congestion, and reducing conflicts at toll plazas, the Annual Pass is designed to provide a quicker and more seamless travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners,” stated the minister.
Here’s the Potential Savings with the ATP:
Delhi to Mumbai
Traveling from Delhi to Mumbai, there are roughly 12 to 15 toll plazas, including Kherki Daula, Kishangarh, Ahmedabad Ring Road, Surat, Vapi, and Dahisar. On closed-toll highways, like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a vehicle incurs charges only at the entry and exit points, signifying a single journey. Therefore, if the one-way toll fee is approximately Rs 1,900, the total for a round trip amounts to Rs 3,800. However, by opting for the new FASTag yearly plan, you only pay Rs 3,000 per year for unlimited travel until you reach 200 trips.
Delhi to Jaipur
On the route from Delhi to Jaipur, there are four tolls — Ghamroj, Hilalpur, Bhandarraj, and Rajadhok. If you travel this route twice a month, your monthly expenses would be around Rs 1,288, leading to an annual total of Rs 15,456. However, with the ATP, you only need to pay Rs 3,000 for a year of unlimited travel on this route, allowing you to save over Rs 12,000.
