Driving on India’s national highways and expressways is set to get much easier for vehicle owners. The government is considering a new toll payment system that could allow private car owners to enjoy unlimited travel for an entire year by paying just Rs 3,000 as an annual pass fee. This means no more stopping at toll plazas or worrying about topping up your FASTag every few trips.
With the new system, drivers will have two main options. The first is the FASTag Annual Pass—pay once, and you’re covered for unlimited travel on all national highways, state expressways, and expressways for a year. The second option is a distance-based pricing model, where you pay a flat toll of Rs 50 for every 100 kilometers traveled, replacing the current toll plaza fees. Both options are designed to make travel more convenient and reduce congestion at toll plazas.
If you already have a FASTag, you won’t need to make any changes to your account or show new documents. The transition to the new system will be smooth, and your existing FASTag will remain valid. The government had previously suggested a lifetime FASTag option with a much higher fee, but that plan has been dropped in favor of the more affordable annual pass.
Another exciting change in the works is the removal of physical toll booths. The new system will be completely barrier-free, using advanced technology to collect tolls without stopping vehicles. This is expected to make journeys faster, reduce traffic jams, and even help save fuel.
While these changes are still being considered, the government is also working on ways to compensate current highway contractors and give banks more tools to prevent toll evasion, such as enforcing minimum FASTag balances.
If introduced, the new FASTag Annual Pass and the shift to barrier-free tolling could transform the way millions of Indians travel on highways, making every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
