FASTag Annual Pass: FASTag Annual Toll Pass may be introduced for private vehicles, know the government's plan and what will be the impact on users?

The government is thinking of launching an Annual Toll Pass for private vehicles. According to reports, a payment of Rs 3,000 will allow unlimited travel on highways throughout the year, meaning the hassle of recharging FASTag again and again will end. According to the report, this policy also proposes distance-based pricing and barrier-free toll booths to make travel easier on highways as well as improve traffic flow.

One-time payment system

According to this proposed policy, vehicle owners will be allowed to make a one-time annual payment of Rs 3,000 to travel unlimited distances on all national highways, expressways, and state expressways throughout the year. After the implementation of this policy, there will be no need to recharge FASTag for travel across the country.

Distance Based Pricing

For those who do not travel often and travel long distances only occasionally, this policy proposes a “pay-as-you-go model” at Rs 50 per 100 km.

Good news for FASTag users

Existing FASTag users can transition to the new system without any additional documents or account changes. That is, FASTag users can shift to the new policy through their existing account. Apart from this, the previous policy of lifetime FASTag with a one-time payment of Rs 30,000 for 15 years has been canceled.

There will be no barriers at toll booths.

According to the proposed policy, there will be no physical barriers at toll booths and the existing sensor-based system will be phased out. This initiative of the government is expected to make travel easier and faster than before. Apart from this, barrier-free toll booths will help in reducing traffic congestion, which will also reduce fuel consumption.

What will happen to toll revenue?

If this proposal is implemented, the new policy may affect the toll revenue of highway contractors. Therefore, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will prepare a compensation plan based on digital travel data. By implementing several measures, banks will be given more powers so that toll theft can be eliminated. However, let us tell you that the government has not yet officially confirmed this new toll-collection policy.

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