The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to introduce a new annual FASTag pass system on August 15th. This initiative aims to provide convenience and cost savings to individuals using National Highways and Expressways across India. While the pass offers advantages, it’s crucial to understand the associated terms.
For a one-time payment of ₹3,000, pass holders can cross tolls up to 200 times or for a duration of one year. This results in an average toll cost of ₹15 per crossing, a significant reduction compared to the typical toll charges, which can be more than ₹50. If one were to cross 200 tolls at ₹50 each, the total cost would be ₹10,000. With the pass, the cost is just ₹3,000, resulting in potential savings of ₹7,000.
Key Points to Note:
1. The FASTag annual pass is exclusive to private vehicle owners such as those with jeeps, cars, and vans. It isn’t available for buses, trucks, or taxis.
2. The pass is non-transferable and can only be used for the vehicle it’s registered to. It is valid solely for one registered vehicle.
3. The annual pass is valid only on NHAI-operated National Highways and Expressways. Tolls on state or municipal roads and state expressways will need to be paid separately.
4. The annual pass is non-refundable. No refunds will be issued once the pass has been purchased. Upon expiration, the pass needs to be renewed with a new payment.
How to Buy the Pass:
To acquire the pass, users need to log in to the Highway Yatra app or the NHAI or MoRTH websites. This can be done using the vehicle number and FASTag ID. Ensure the FASTag is active and correctly affixed. Online payments of ₹3,000 can be made using UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.