FASTag – Annual Pass Sees Rapid Rise Across India
FASTag – The FASTag Annual Pass has quickly become a preferred option for highway commuters across India, recording strong participation from multiple regions. Official figures released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) show that Chandigarh currently leads the country in usage, contributing 14 percent of total transactions. Tamil Nadu follows with 12.3 percent, while Delhi accounts for 11.5 percent of overall activity.
Strong Uptake in Delhi-NCR Toll Plazas
A closer look at toll plaza data highlights significant acceptance in the Delhi-National Capital Region. Among the busiest points, the Bijwasan Fee Plaza has reported the highest adoption rate, with nearly 57 percent of cars passing through using the Annual Pass facility.
Other locations in the region are also witnessing steady usage. At the Mundaka toll plaza in Delhi and the Jhinjholi toll plaza in Sonipat, approximately 53 percent of non-commercial vehicles crossing these points are operating with the pass. Officials say this pattern reflects growing awareness among daily commuters seeking smoother highway travel.
Six Months, 50 Lakh Users
Within just six months of its launch on August 15, the Annual Pass has crossed the milestone of 50 lakh registered users. During this period, more than 26.55 crore transactions have been recorded under the scheme, according to ministry data.
Officials noted that nearly 28 percent of all car transactions on the National Highway network are now being completed through the FASTag Annual Pass. The ministry described the trend as a sign of increasing preference among private vehicle owners who are opting for a more convenient and cost-effective payment system on National Highways and Expressways.
How the Annual Pass Works
The FASTag Annual Pass is valid at around 1,150 toll plazas situated on National Highways and National Expressways. It is designed for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
Instead of frequent recharges, users can make a one-time payment of ₹3,000, which grants validity for one year or up to 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first. Once payment is completed through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the official NHAI website, the pass is activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle within approximately two hours.
The initiative aims to reduce repeated recharge requirements and offer a predictable travel expense structure for regular highway users.
Reducing Delays at Toll Gates
Before the widespread introduction of FASTag, cash transactions at toll plazas often led to congestion. Long vehicle queues, payment disputes, and change-related issues were common challenges.
To encourage digital toll payments, MoRTH introduced a rule imposing double user fees on vehicles not equipped with FASTag. Over time, the system has expanded, and authorities have provided certain relaxations depending on payment modes. The Annual Pass is viewed as a further step in streamlining toll operations and minimizing stoppage time at plazas.
Expansion of Electronic Toll Collection
FASTag adoption has reached approximately 98 percent penetration nationwide, with more than eight crore users enrolled in the electronic toll collection system. Since February 2021, FASTag has been mandatory for user fee payments at National Highway toll plazas.
Currently, toll charges are collected across nearly 45,000 kilometers of National Highways and Expressways. Around 1,200 toll plazas operate on this network, managed either by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or authorized concessionaires.
The introduction of the Annual Pass in August marked another step toward simplifying highway travel for private vehicle owners. Officials believe that the consistent rise in user numbers indicates a shift toward digital toll payments and more efficient traffic movement across India’s expanding road network.