Relief for travellers: Govt announces ₹3,000 annual toll pass on NHs

From August 15, personal vehicles can hit national highways with a ₹3,000 annual pass, valid for 200 trips or one year

Addressing long-standing concerns of national highway users about high toll fees, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Wednesday announced an annual toll pass that will eliminate repeated toll deductions for personal passenger vehicles. 

“In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a Fastag-based annual pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from August 15. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips — whichever comes first — this pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, Jeeps, and vans,” Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. 

A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the RajmargYatra application (app) as well as on the official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH. 

“This policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60-kilometre (km) radius and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas, the annual pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners,” Gadkari said. 

The annual pass is available only on the RajmargYatra mobile app and the NHAI website, and will reflect in the user’s existing Fastag upon completion of payment. A dedicated link for the facility will be issued soon. 

The pass is valid only at national highway and national expressway fee plazas, the ministry said. At fee plazas on expressways, state highways, etc. managed by state governments or local bodies, the Fastag will operate as a regular Fastag, and applicable user fee charges may apply. 

 

According to the ministry, 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 deactivation. 

According to the ministry’s gazette notification, the rate for the pass will be subject to revision each year, in accordance with current revision standards, which are linked to the Wholesale Price Index. 

Experts say the policy will bring major relief to users, while its impact on highway operating companies will be minimal. 

“The introduction of the annual toll pass will enhance convenience for travellers by streamlining passage through toll plazas. Given that the average passenger vehicle covers roughly 10,000 km per year — most of which occurs outside national highways — the direct impact on toll operators is expected to be minimal. However, this move brings additional advantages, including reduced congestion, improved operational efficiency, and smoother travel patterns. For frequent travellers who use toll roads for more than 2,500 to 3,000 km annually, the pass offers considerable cost savings and added convenience, making long-distance travel more seamless,” said Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, senior director and global head, consulting, Crisil Intelligence. 

How it will work

*  Existing Fastag users can get the pass on the same account

  *  Pass will be valid only on NHs for a year or 200 trips (toll plazas), whichever is earlier

  *  Pass rates will be revised every April with the same formula used for revision of normal toll charges

  *  Annual pass will be non-transferrable and deactivated if used by another user/vehicle

  *  On state highways, regular toll charges will be applicable on the Fastag account