ANNUAL PASS UNDER NEW TOLL POLICY

Aiming to amplify the toll collection on highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari has invented upgrades in the toll system. This initiative is taken for people who travel frequently on highways.

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways in the Government of India is constantly proactive. In order to improve road transportation, authorities are endeavoring to launch new programs.  The newly launched Annual Toll Policy 2025 is one of them.

However, the authorities took a stand under strict orders. People can take it as a sign to make road transportation safer and smoother. With the foundation of new rules laid out, residents will also definitely benefit.

 

Key Takeaways

• The new barrier-free tolling system is expected to reduce toll charges by up to 50%.
• Under this system, tolls will be charged on a per-kilometer basis.
• Commuters can purchase an annual pass for INR 3,000, which allows unlimited travel on selected national highways, state highways, and expressways without any additional charges.
• This will be a digital pass, and the annual fee will be automatically deducted from the FASTag account.
• To begin with, the annual pass will be launched on a trial basis for the Delhi-Jaipur route before being rolled out across the country.

 

What is the FASTag New Policy?

Rising toll tax prices, which is unaffordable to the common car owners, has always been a point of contention. But now, to put an end to this controversy, the government has come up with a convenient rule. People can get a 50% discount on toll tax under the FASTag New Policy 2025. 

The New Policy centers around the launch of the Annual FASTag Pass. The objective of this scheme is to make toll collection more convenient at tolls.

 

What is the 3000 Annual Toll Pass?

Recently, news of relief has come for the people travelling on the highway.

Travelling on roadways necessitates an administration charge or levy for crossing that road. It is mandatory to pay this fee while coming and going on that route. By the new rules, you can receive an Annual Toll pass worth Rs. 3,000. One lump sum amount is a prepaid subscription scheme.

NHAI crafted a plan for private light motor vehicles. Travellers who habitually travel on a particular toll plaza will benefit from this rule.

Owing to the new directive, people would get a reduction in toll tax. Plus, they will travel unlimitedly for a whole year with just Rs. 3000. With this, travelling on the National Highway will undoubtedly be well timed. Travel to express and state express streets would also be a toll-free journey if you have access to an Annual Toll Pass.

 

Benefits of Annual Toll Pass

Several benefits of the Annual Toll Pass are as follows -

1. Limitless Travel up to 365 Days

School and college transport, local residents travel 365 days through the same toll road. A fixed highway route enables them to reach their destination timely. ATP allows them to travel limitless distances for a whole year.

2. Affordability

Regular commuters can find the Annual Toll Pass practically affordable. Most essentially, the pass prevents travellers from penalties for missed toll payments.

3. Convenience

The manual tradition of paying toll booths was cumbersome. The ATP is a dedicated system that saves time and automatically transfers from your prepaid account.

4. Environment-Friendly Option

Stopping at the toll plaza and paying the toll was a reason for the traffic jam. Also, it lets the vehicles use more petrol while they wait for the toll. Annual Toll Pass puts this process back and becomes an environmentally friendly option.

5. Effortless Access to Busy Toll Roads

Previously, highway routes were busy with long car queues waiting to pay the toll. ATP eliminates this tradition and grants easy access to express lanes.

 

How to Apply for an Annual Toll Pass?

Uncomplicated steps are involved in applying for the Annual Toll Pass. Let’s probe it-

• Go via the official NHAI or FASTag web portal or toll plaza office.
• Input the vehicle number that you drive and the registered mobile number
• Pick the toll plaza that is applicable.
• Proceed with the payment of Rs. 3000 with a UPI app, card, or net banking.
• Finally, your FASTag gets auto-linked with the annual toll pass.

After the time of 24 hours of successful payment, your pass will start. It will remain workable for a complete year.

 

Updated FASTag Rules

Let's have a comprehension about what has changed in the old FASTag rules-

Old Rules	Updates
Balance was the key factor to cross the tool road.	The Annual Toll Pass replaced it.
Different sorts of vehicles were permitted to use the road with FASTag recharge.	The Annual Toll Pass is connected to a certain type of vehicle only.
FASTag did not comprise any fixed expiry grace period.	A 15-day grace period is stipulated for top-up.
A nominal fine was charged for misusing the FASTag.	Travellers have to lose their pocket by Rs. 1,000 for misusing the pass.
FASTag KYC was optional.	FASTag KYC is a must with Aadhar / PAN card.
FASTag is applied to all vehicles passing by express or national highways.	ATP is applicable only for private vehicles and not for commercial transport.

 

Comparison Between Annual Pass Vs Regular Toll Payments

The table below represents the costing comparison of Annual Pass Vs Regular Toll Payments.

Route	Toll on Daily Base	Toll on Monthly Base	Annual Toll	Cost with Pass	Annual Savings
City to the outskirts	60	1,800	21,600	3,000	18,600
Urban	40	1,200	14,400	3,000	11,400
Intercity	100	3,000	36,000	3,000	33,000
Short Commute	30	900	10,800	3,000	7,800

As per these numbers, you would imagine how the New Toll Policy benefits the regular travellers.

 

FASTag Benefits with Strong Car Insurance Protection

While advancement in toll collection systems like ANRS, FASTag, and High Resolution Cameras brings affordability and ease to highway travel, it’s essential to remember that safe travel also includes having valid car insurance.

Just like toll charges, accidents and mishaps are an unavoidable part of road journeys. Buying a comprehensive car insurance policy not only protects your vehicle financially but is also mandatory under Indian law.

 

FAQs

1. What is a Barrier Free Electronic Tolling System?

Barrier-free tolling also referred to as open-road tolling, is a seamless digital system that integrates GPS, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Readers) and High-Resolution cameras with Fastag to track and charge tolls without stopping the vehicles.

2. Can I Transfer Annual FASTag Pass After Resale of My Vehicle?

No, you are not permitted to transfer the Annual FASTag Pass. It is exclusively issued to each vehicle contingent on the RC copy of the vehicle.

3. Is the Annual Toll Pass Physical or Digital?

The annual toll pass is completely digital and linked to your FASTag account.

4. How Much Does a New FASTag Annual Pass Cost?

A New FASTag annual pass costs Rs. 3000, which allows unlimited travel on selected routes without any additional toll charges once the pass is active. 

5. Is the Monthly Annual Pass Available for FASTag Users?

Yes, the annual toll pass is available to FASTag users and is linked directly to the FASTag account.

6. Will FASTag Annual Pass be Valid for All Highways and Expressways in India?

Annual pass is initially launched as a trial on the Delhi–Jaipur route. Gradually expand coverage to other national highways, state highways, and expressways across India.