FASTag annual pass is not valid on these expressways and highways; here’s the list

The FASTag Annual Pass, launched on August 15, 2025, by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), provides private vehicle owners a convenient prepaid toll option for travel on select National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE) across the country. For a one-time fee of Rs 3,000, users can make up to 200 toll-free trips in a year or travel for one year, whichever comes first. The pass has seen rapid adoption, with over five lakh subscriptions within just four days of launch. However, it is important to note that the pass is not valid on all highways or expressways, particularly those managed by state authorities, and tolls on these excluded routes must still be paid via the regular FASTag account. For many daily commuters, this marks a new phase of smoother and more predictable highway travel.

Highways and expressways excluded from FASTag annual pass

The FASTag Annual Pass is valid only on NHAI and central government-managed toll plazas. It cannot be used on state-managed expressways or local roads. Key exclusions include:

• Yamuna Expressway (Uttar Pradesh)
• Purvanchal Expressway (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bundelkhand Expressway (Uttar Pradesh)
• Agra-Lucknow Expressway (Uttar Pradesh)
• Samruddhi Mahamarg (Maharashtra) – a state highway not covered under the scheme
• Mumbai-Pune Expressway – operated by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)
• Atal Setu (Goa) – a state-managed bridge with its own toll system
• Other state highways or toll roads under state jurisdiction

Additionally, tolls on commercial fleets, taxis, or parking fees remain outside the pass coverage. On these routes, even with an activated FASTag Annual Pass, tolls will be deducted from your regular FASTag account balance.

Why FASTag annual pass is not valid on these routes

The excluded expressways are state highways managed by state agencies rather than NHAI. The FASTag Annual Pass was specifically designed for national highways and expressways under central authority, so tolls on state-managed routes are not included in the scheme.

Who can apply for the FASTag annual pass

The annual pass is targeted at private, non-commercial vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans. Eligibility requires an active FASTag linked to the vehicle registration. The pass is non-transferable; using it on another vehicle will result in deactivation.

• For point-based toll plazas, one-way travel counts as one trip, and a return counts as two.
• For closed or ticketed systems, a full entry-to-exit journey counts as one trip.

The pass does not apply to commercial vehicles, taxis, yellow-plate vehicles, two-wheelers, or vehicles registered only by chassis number.

How to activate your FASTag annual pass

• Open the Rajmarg Yatra app or visit the official NHAI/MoRTH portal.
• Submit your Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) and FASTag ID for verification.
• Complete Rs 3,000 payment via UPI, net banking, or card.
• Receive confirmation via SMS or app notification (activation typically occurs within two hours).
• Two accounts are created for your FASTag: one linked to the annual pass and one for regular payments.
• Vehicles registered only by chassis number must first update their registration to obtain the annual pass.

Renewal and benefits of FASTag annual pass

Upon expiry, the FASTag automatically reverts to standard mode. Travellers wishing to continue with the annual convenience can renew by paying Rs 3,000 again.

The prepaid model can save frequent long-distance travellers thousands of rupees annually, reduce delays at toll plazas, and streamline highway travel. This scheme is expected to encourage more people to switch to FASTag for hassle-free travel. It also supports the government’s push for digital payments and smoother highway operations. However, those regularly using state-managed expressways should be prepared to pay standard tolls at those locations. With its growing popularity, the scheme may later expand to include more highways under state-centre agreements. For now, private vehicle owners benefit the most, while commercial fleets will need to wait for a similar initiative. Commuters should also ensure their vehicle details are updated in the VAHAN database to avoid activation issues.

Is the FASTag Annual Pass available for all types of vehicles?

The FASTag Annual Pass is not available for all vehicle types. It applies exclusively to private, non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans, as verified through the VAHAN database. Using the Annual Pass on any commercial vehicle will lead to immediate deactivation without any prior notice. In short, while the scheme offers excellent savings and convenience, users must carefully check where and how the FASTag Annual Pass applies to avoid confusion. The FASTag Annual Pass offers convenience and savings, but users should always verify eligible routes before travel. Ultimately, travellers should weigh their route preferences and usage frequency before deciding if the pass suits their needs. Future expansions of the scheme may bring added benefits for commercial fleets and interstate travellers.