Starting August 15, the Fastag annual pass will be available, offering a prepaid solution for toll payments. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to reduce the cost of toll payments for private vehicles like cars and vans. The goal is to streamline the toll collection process.
This comprehensive guide answers key questions about the annual Fastag pass. Learn about its cost, validity period, how many toll crossings are allowed, the purchase process, multi-vehicle use, and which expressways and highways it covers.
**Purchasing an Annual Pass:**
The Rajmargyatra App, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is where you can purchase or renew your Fastag pass. After downloading the app and providing the necessary details, you can activate your pass by making the required payment. This pass works with your existing Fastag; there’s no need to buy a new one.
**Vehicle Compatibility:**
The pass is vehicle-specific and cannot be used for multiple vehicles. It will only work with the vehicle linked to the Fastag registration. Misuse may lead to deactivation. Proper placement of the FASTag on the vehicle’s windshield is essential to avoid blacklisting.
**Fees, Limits, and Savings:**
The Fastag pass costs ₹3,000 and is valid for one year or 200 trips. Once these limits are reached, renewal is needed. A key advantage is the reduced toll charge, which drops to ₹15 per trip from ₹50.
**Where the Pass is Accepted:**
The annual Fastag pass is valid only on highways and expressways maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It will not be accepted on state government-operated highways and expressways. Standard toll charges will apply in those areas. This includes routes like the Yamuna Expressway and other major expressways in Uttar Pradesh.
**Trip Counting:**
Each crossing at a toll plaza is counted as a trip. A round trip counts as two trips. If a toll plaza is closed, entering and exiting will be considered one trip. The pass expires after 200 trips, necessitating renewal.
**Who Should Use the Pass?**
This pass provides the most significant savings for drivers who travel between 2,500 and 3,000 kilometers on toll roads annually. It helps reduce lines at toll plazas, minimizes toll-related disputes, and improves overall efficiency.