The Fastag annual pass, a prepaid toll payment system, is set to launch on August 15. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to make toll payments more efficient for private vehicles. The goal is to reduce the average cost associated with toll collection.
This article provides detailed information on the annual Fastag pass. It covers all essential aspects, from its cost and validity to how it works and where it can be used.
**Purchasing the Annual Pass:**
To obtain the annual pass, download the Rajmargyatra App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Within the app, you’ll find the option to purchase or renew your Fastag pass. Simply provide the required information and complete the payment to activate the pass. Notably, you can use your existing Fastag; a new one is not required.
**Vehicle Restrictions:**
Each pass is exclusively linked to a single vehicle. It’s designed to work only with the vehicle registered to the Fastag. Any attempt to use it with another vehicle could result in the pass being deactivated. It’s also crucial to correctly place the FASTag on the windshield of your vehicle, otherwise it may lead to blacklisting.
**Fees, Limits, and Savings:**
The Fastag pass costs ₹3,000. Once purchased, it’s valid for a year or up to 200 trips. After the term expires or the trip limit is reached, you’ll need to renew the pass. The significant advantage of this pass is that it lowers your average toll charge to ₹15 per trip, compared to the standard ₹50.
**Where the Pass is Valid:**
The annual Fastag pass is only usable on highways and expressways maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It will not be accepted on highways and expressways run by state governments. Toll charges will remain standard on those routes. This includes the Yamuna Expressway and other major expressways in Uttar Pradesh.
**Counting Trips:**
Every instance of passing through a toll plaza is counted as a trip. A round trip, entering and exiting, is considered two trips. In the event a toll plaza is closed, the entry and exit will count as one trip. The pass expires after 200 trips.
**Who Benefits Most:**
This pass is particularly beneficial for those who travel between 2,500 and 3,000 kilometers on toll roads each year. It reduces congestion at toll plazas and streamlines the toll collection process, enhancing the overall experience for drivers.