Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Wednesday announced the rollout of a FASTag-based annual pass for non-commercial private vehicles. Priced at ₹3,000, the pass will be available from August 15 this year.
The pass will be valid for one year from activation or up to 200 trips, whichever is earlier. It is applicable only for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. Gadkari described the move as a “transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel.”
According to the minister, this initiative will streamline travel on National Highways. It will also cut down wait times at toll plazas and reduce disputes. The new system aims to ensure smoother travel and ease congestion nationwide.
A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be launched via the Rajmarg Yatra App and the official websites of NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Relief for Frequent Highway Users
Gadkari said the annual pass addresses longstanding concerns about toll plazas located within a 60-km radius. It simplifies toll payments through a one-time, affordable transaction.
The ministry expects the system to improve traffic flow and enhance the travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners.
Gadkari also highlighted the progress made in road infrastructure. Between 2014 and 2024, the average annual highway construction rose by 130 per cent compared to the 2004–2014 period. The total length of highways built in the last 10 years reached 1,01,900 km.
Currently, 1,366 projects spanning around 32,366 km are under construction. These include developments in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and all North-Eastern States. Most are expected to be completed by the Financial Year 2028.
India’s National Highways network grew by 60 per cent over the last decade — from 91,287 km to 1,46,204 km. The construction pace increased from 11.6 km/day in 2014 to 34 km/day. The central government’s investment in road infrastructure rose 6.4 times between 2013-14 and 2024-25. The road transport budget alone surged by 570 per cent from 2014 to 2023-24, according to official data.
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