FASTag Annual Pass to cost more from April 1: Check revised fee, how to still buy at old rate

FASTag Annual Pass will become slightly costlier from April 1, 2026, after the government revised the annual fee under the national highway toll rules. However, users can still buy the pass at the current rate before the new price comes into effect.
FASTag Annual Pass to cost more from April 1: Check revised fee, how to still buy at old rate
FASTag Annual Pass to cost more from April 1. Representational Image

The FASTag Annual Pass used by millions of highway travellers in India will become slightly more expensive from April 1, 2026. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a revision in the annual fee for the upcoming financial year, increasing it from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075. The change follows the formula-based revision under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

The revised price will apply from the beginning of the 2026–27 financial year. However, motorists who plan to purchase the FASTag Annual Pass still have time to buy it at the existing rate before the increase takes effect. Officials say the pass continues to be a convenient and cost-effective option for private vehicle owners who frequently travel on national highways and expressways.

FASTag Annual Pass fee revised for FY 2026–27

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According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the FASTag Annual Pass fee will increase by 2.5 per cent from April 1, 2026.

At present, private vehicle owners pay Rs 3,000 for the annual pass. From the new financial year, the cost will rise to Rs 3,075.

Authorities said the revision is part of the annual adjustment mechanism used for toll-related charges on national highways. Similar revisions are carried out every year based on a standard formula under the existing rules.

What is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The FASTag Annual Pass is a facility designed primarily for private car owners who regularly use national highways.

Instead of paying toll charges at multiple plazas during the year, users can make a one-time annual payment and continue travelling through toll lanes with their existing FASTag. The pass eliminates the need for frequent FASTag recharges and simplifies the toll payment process.

This option is available only for non-commercial vehicles such as private cars and requires a valid FASTag linked to the vehicle.

Valid for one year or 200 toll crossings

The annual pass remains valid for either one year from the date of activation or up to 200 toll crossings, whichever limit is reached earlier.

Once activated, the pass works directly through the FASTag already attached to the vehicle. This allows drivers to cross toll plazas without worrying about individual toll deductions for each trip.

Officials say the system helps reduce waiting time at toll booths and improves the overall highway travel experience.

Available at around 1,150 toll plazas

The FASTag Annual Pass can be used at approximately 1,150 toll plazas located on national highways and expressways across India.

This wide coverage makes it particularly useful for people who regularly drive between cities or frequently undertake long-distance road journeys.

By offering a predictable annual payment, the pass allows frequent travellers to plan their travel expenses more easily.

Strong response since launch

The FASTag Annual Pass was launched on August 15, 2025, as part of the government’s effort to promote digital toll payments and improve highway travel convenience.

Since its launch, the scheme has received a strong response from motorists. Government data shows that more than 5.6 million users have already opted for the facility.

Officials say the growing number of users reflects the increasing preference for seamless and digital toll payment systems among highway travellers.

Who can use the FASTag Annual Pass?

The annual pass is meant exclusively for eligible non-commercial vehicles such as private cars.

Vehicles must already have an active FASTag linked to them in order to use the facility. Commercial vehicles and transport operators are not eligible for this scheme.

The pass is especially useful for motorists who frequently travel between cities or regularly drive on national highways for work or personal purposes.

How to buy or activate the FASTag Annual Pass?

Motorists can purchase or activate the FASTag Annual Pass through several digital platforms.

The pass can be bought through the Rajmarg Yatra mobile application, via the official NHAI website, or through banks and service providers that issue FASTags.

After the one-time payment is completed, the annual pass is activated on the vehicle’s existing FASTag, usually within about two hours.

Still time to buy at the current price

Although the price increase is relatively small, frequent highway users who plan to purchase the FASTag Annual Pass may benefit from buying it before the revision takes effect.

Motorists can still purchase the pass at the current price of Rs 3,000 until March 31, 2026. From April 1 onwards, the revised fee of Rs 3,075 will apply to all new purchases and renewals.