Will states adopt FASTag annual pass? Nitin Gadkari outlines Centre’s offer

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said state governments can also introduce a FASTag-based annual pass scheme for vehicles on state highways and expressways, with full technical support from the Centre.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari informed that the annual pass facility, applicable for non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans, has already been rolled out on national highways and expressways from August 15, 2025.

“The Annual pass is applicable on National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas,” the minister said.

"While the Annual Pass presently does not apply to State Highways & Expressways, if the State Government is willing to introduce such pass system for the State Highways/ Expressways, full technical support will be offered for the purpose.”

FASTag is a sticker with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that allows toll payments from the linked prepaid account. It is affixed to the vehicle's windscreen and allows one to drive through toll plazas without making a cash transaction. The tag can be recharged or topped up as per the requirement.

The annual pass scheme allows travel for one year or up to 200 fee plaza crossings, whichever is earlier, at a one-time payment of ₹3,000. It is valid across around 1,150 toll plazas in the country. In a closed user fee collection system, entry and exit through a toll plaza is counted as a single crossing.

The ministry said the measure is aimed at reducing the burden of frequent FASTag recharges and easing toll payments for non-commercial vehicle users. It has also rationalised fee rates for certain highway stretches through another notification issued on July 1, 2025.