FASTag Annual Pass

FASTag Annual Pass Overview

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FASTag was launched by NHAI in 2014 and was made mandatory for all vehicles in India since January 2021. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Government introduces Annual Pass in 2025, which is a prepaid subscription model for private vehicles, allowing unlimited travel through a specific toll plaza for a year at a fixed cost of ₹3,000. The Annual Pass offers significant savings and greater flexibility, as it is being rolled out to cover multiple toll plazas across national highways and expressways in some implementations, such as the trial on the Delhi-Jaipur route.

This Annual Pass initiative aims to reduce toll plaza congestion, time and fuel, and also to provide financial relief to regular highway users, who contribute 26% of India’s ₹55,000 crore toll revenue (FY23-24).

Key Features and Benefits

  • Cost Savings: For frequent travelers, the ₹3,000 Annual Pass can save thousands compared to regular toll payments. For example, a daily commuter paying ₹100 per toll could save up to ₹33,000 annually.

  • Time Efficiency: Eliminates the need for frequent FASTag recharges and reduces delays at toll booths, ensuring smoother travel.

  • Convenience: The pass is digitally linked to your existing FASTag, requiring no additional hardware. Payments are processed automatically via RFID technology.

  • Environmental Impact: By reducing idling at toll plazas, the pass contributes to 20% lower CO2 emissions and up to 15% fuel savings.

  • Transparency: Integration with the NETC system ensures accurate toll deductions and SMS/email alerts for transactions.

  • Nationwide Expansion: Initially launched on select routes (e.g., Delhi-Jaipur), the pass is set to expand to all national highways and expressways.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Vehicle Type: Only private four-wheelers (cars, SUVs, MUVs) are eligible; commercial vehicles (trucks, buses) are excluded.

  • FASTag Requirement: The vehicle must have an active FASTag linked to a bank account or prepaid wallet.

  • Ownership Proof: Valid Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle is required.

  • Residential Criteria: Indian residents with valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Driving License) can apply.

  • Usage Restriction: The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the registered vehicle.

Application Process

Applying for the FASTag Annual Pass is a straightforward, digital process:

  1. Visit an Authorized Portal: Access the NHAI FASTag portal (www.ihmcl.com), partnered bank websites (e.g., ICICI, HDFC, Kotak), or apps like Park+ or Bajaj Pay.

  2. Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your vehicle registration number and registered mobile number.

  3. Select Toll Plaza: Choose the specific toll plaza or route for which the pass is required. For trials like Delhi-Jaipur, select the applicable route.

  4. Make Payment: Pay ₹3,000 using UPI, credit/debit card, net banking, or other supported methods.

  5. Activation: The pass is linked to your FASTag and activated within 24 hours. You’ll receive confirmation via SMS or email.

  6. Start Traveling: Enjoy unlimited travel through the designated toll plaza for one year.

Fees and Charges

  • Annual Pass Cost: ₹3,000 for one year of unlimited travel through a designated toll plaza.

  • FASTag Issuance: If you don’t have a FASTag, a one-time fee of ₹100 (including GST) applies, plus a refundable security deposit (₹200) and initial recharge (₹200, depending on vehicle class).

  • No Additional Fees: No separate charges for pass activation or maintenance.

  • Penalties for Misuse: Crossing non-eligible toll plazas with the pass incurs regular FASTag charges. Using a blacklisted FASTag (due to low balance) may result in double toll charges if not recharged within 70 minutes before reaching a toll plaza.

Comparison: Annual Pass vs. Regular Toll Payments

Criteria

Annual Pass

Regular Toll Payments

Cost

₹3,000/year

₹100/day (e.g., ₹36,500/year)

Validity

1 year, unlimited travel

Per trip

Toll Plaza Coverage

Single plaza (expanding to all)

All toll plazas

Recharge Frequency

One-time annual payment

Frequent recharges

Savings Example

₹33,000/year (daily ₹100 toll)

No savings

Note: Savings depend on travel frequency and toll rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the FASTag Annual Pass, and how does it work?
    The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid subscription costing ₹3,000, allowing unlimited travel through a designated toll plaza for one year. It integrates with your existing FASTag, automatically deducting the pass validity instead of individual toll charges.

  2. Can I use the Annual Pass on multiple toll plazas?
    Currently, the pass is valid for a single designated toll plaza or route (e.g., Delhi-Jaipur in the trial phase). NHAI plans to expand coverage to all national highways and expressways. If you cross a non-eligible toll plaza, regular FASTag charges apply.

  3. Is the Annual Pass transferable to another vehicle?
    No, the pass is non-transferable and linked to the registered vehicle’s FASTag. If you sell your vehicle, the pass becomes void, and you must apply for a new pass for another vehicle.

  4. How do I apply for the FASTag Annual Pass?
    Apply online via the NHAI portal (www.ihmcl.com), partnered bank websites, or apps like Park+. Enter your vehicle details, select the toll plaza, pay ₹3,000, and the pass activates within 24 hours.

  5. What happens if my FASTag has a low balance?
    The Annual Pass doesn’t rely on your FASTag wallet balance for the designated toll plaza, as it grants unlimited access. However, for other toll plazas, ensure sufficient balance to avoid blacklisting and double toll charges. Recharge within 70 minutes before reaching a toll plaza to avoid penalties.

  6. Can commercial vehicles use the Annual Pass?
    No, the pass is currently exclusive to private four-wheelers (cars, SUVs, MUVs). Commercial vehicles like trucks and buses are ineligible.

  7. What is the validity of the Annual Pass?
    The pass is valid for one year from activation. You must renew it annually by repurchasing through the same process.

  8. How does the Annual Pass compare to the monthly pass?
    The Annual Pass (₹3,000/year) is cheaper than the monthly pass (₹340/month, ₹4,080/year) and offers greater convenience with a one-time payment. Monthly passes are limited to one toll plaza, while the Annual Pass may expand to cover multiple highways.

  9. What if my FASTag is damaged or not working?
    Contact your FASTag issuer’s customer care (e.g., 1033 for NHAI FASTag, or bank-specific toll-free numbers) to report the issue. Request a replacement tag (₹100 fee may apply), and the remaining balance or pass validity will be transferred.

  10. How does the government compensate toll operators for the Annual Pass?
    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways compensates toll concessionaires for revenue differences based on digital records of vehicles using the pass, ensuring no financial loss for operators.

Also visit : https://ihmcl.co.in/fastag-user/

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