Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday that a Fastag-based annual pass will provide a ‘big relief’ to passengers as it will reduce the financial burden and reduce the journey with the need to stay in the toll plaza.
The Union Minister said that the annual pass scheme which would allow passengers to cross 200 toll plazes on national highways, which is just Rs 3,000 per annum at the first average of Rs 10,000. The scheme will be applicable from August 15.
Talking about the scheme, Nitin Gadkari said, “The decision made by the government will provide great relief to the public. It will enable people to travel on a very large scale. Earlier, people have to pay a toll of at least Rs 10,000. Now, the cost of the new pass is only Rs 3000, which allows for the validity of 200 trips annually. A trip means a trip.”
Gadkari said that the new system translates the average toll cost of Rs 15 per crossing compared to the current average – which is less than the current average – and regular highway users are expected to save up to Rs 7,000 per year.
Gadkari also said that the scheme will increase the ease of travel by eliminating the need of vehicles to stay at the toll plaza, thus cutting the crowd and travel time. However, the new annual pass will apply only to national highways and not to state roads.
“The advantage here is that 200 tolls will be crossed, resulting in an average of Rs 15 per toll crossing. This means that people will save Rs 7000 every year. With the introduction of our new system, the need to stop at the toll plaza will be abolished. Those who were staying earlier will be benefited from this scheme.
With this step, the government aims to encourage digital tolling, reduce traffic flows and bring more transparency in highway toll operations.
Meanwhile, Haryana Minister Anil Vij also spoke on the new Fastag Annual Pass Scheme and said, “Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has taken a historic decision. This will give relief to private vehicle owners from time and petrol-diesel wastage and will also give them financial benefits. It is a very welcome step; I appreciate it.”
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the annual Fastag will only be valid for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps and vans.
“A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the official websites of NHAI and Morth along with Rajmarg Yatra app,” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on X.
“This policy addresses long -standing concerns about the toll plaza located within the 60 km range and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction. To reduce the waiting time, reduce the crowd, and reduce the disputes in the toll plaza, the annual pass is aiming to give a fast and smooth travel experience for private vehicle owners,” he said.
Gadkari said that the government’s decision will give significant relief to the people, and the allegations of toll on national highways which had earlier come around Rs 10,000, will now come for Rs 3,000 with an annual pass. (AI)
