Strong Impact of Nitin Gadkari’s Decision: 1.4 Lakh Users Purchased FASTag Package on Day One
New Delhi, August 15, 2025 – In a bold move driven by the leadership of Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) launched the FASTag Annual Pass on Independence Day. By 7 PM on August 15 alone, around 1.4 lakh users purchased and activated the new pass across 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and expressways
Key Highlights and Features
1. One-Time Pass for Frequent Travelers
- The FASTag Annual Pass costs ₹3,000 and offers validity for one year or up to 200 toll plaza crossings, whichever comes first.
- After the limit is reached, the system automatically reverts to the standard FASTag setup with per-trip deductions.
2. Eligibility and Accessibility
- Available only to private, non-commercial vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans. Commercial or yellow-board vehicles are ineligible.
- Activation is linked to a valid FASTag properly affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen and registered with a VRN (Vehicle Registration Number); chassis-only registrations are not eligible.
3. Quick Activation & User Communication
- Pass activation occurs within two hours of payment via the RajmargYatra mobile app or the NHAI website.
- Users receive SMS confirmations indicating zero deduction of toll fees during the pass’s validity period.
4. Operational Support & Customer Assistance
- Around 20,000–25,000 concurrent users were accessing the RajmargYatra app at any given time on launch day.
- NHAI officials and nodal officers have been deployed across all toll plazas to ensure seamless implementation.
- The 1033 National Highway Helpline was further strengthened by adding over 100 executives to manage increased queries and grievances.
5. Mass Adoption & System Readiness
- Till 7 PM on August 15:
- ≈ 1.4 lakh users purchased and activated the pass, and ≈ 1.39 lakh transactions were recorded across toll plazas.
- ≈ 1.4 lakh users purchased and activated the pass, and ≈ 1.39 lakh transactions were recorded across toll plazas.
- The FASTag system boasts a notable 98% penetration rate, with over 8 crore users, solidifying its status as a key component of India’s electronic toll infrastructure.
Summary Table: FASTag Annual Pass at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | ₹3,000 (one-time) |
| Validity | 1 year or 200 toll crossings |
| Eligible Vehicles | Private, non-commercial only |
| Activation Platforms | RajmargYatra App or NHAI website |
| Activation Time | Within 2 hours |
| User Reach (Launch Day) | ~1.4 lakh activations, ~1.39 lakh transactions |
| Concurrent App Users | 20k–25k |
| Customer Support | Nodal officers at tolls; 1033 helpline with +100 executives |
| Objective | Simplify toll payments; eliminate frequent recharges; ensure seamless highway travel |
Significance & Strategic Impact
This initiative underscores the government’s push towards digital transformation and improving Ease of Living for citizens through scalable tech solutions. By offering a one-time pass tailored for frequent highway travelers, the scheme:
- Reduces congestion at toll plazas.
- Eliminates the hassle of frequent wallet top-ups.
- Ensures faster, cashless movement on highways.
- Reinforces user experience within India’s broader FASTag ecosystem.
