The Government of India is planning to introduce a new rule for FASTag. Once implemented, it will help reduce long queues at toll plazas. Additionally, it will eliminate the need for frequent FASTag recharges. The government is considering launching a toll pass for private vehicles. Let’s find out the expected cost of this toll pass and the benefits it will offer.
What Will Be the New FASTag Rule?
The Government of India is considering a plan to introduce toll passes with a one-time payment for private vehicles. The government aims to offer monthly, annual, and even lifetime toll passes. Once this rule is implemented, tolls will be cheaper, and passing through toll gates will become easier. It will also eliminate the hassle of recharging FASTag repeatedly.
NPCI has introduced a new FASTag validation rule, effective February 17, 2025, restricting last-minute recharges for blacklisted accounts.
Transactions will be declined (error code 176) if a FASTag remains blacklisted for over 60 minutes before reaching a toll plaza and 10… pic.twitter.com/LENzYRY7r0
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Amαr (@Amarrrrz) February 12, 2025
How much will the Toll Pass cost?
The new FASTag rule aims to simplify toll collection and reduce vehicle queues at toll booths. The government has proposed a fee of Rs 3,000 for an annual toll pass. For a lifetime toll pass, which lasts 15 years (the typical lifespan of a vehicle), a one-time payment of Rs 30,000 will be required. These toll passes will be linked to the existing FASTag system, so no additional documents or equipment will be needed.
New rules regarding FASTag balance validation will come into effect from February 17, 2025.
According to NPCI, if a FASTag is blacklisted, the owner will have a 70-minute window to fix the issue before facing penalties or payment rejections at toll plazas. pic.twitter.com/98umrsQE77
— The Gorilla (News & Updates) (@iGorilla19) February 14, 2025
Nitin Gadkari’s statement
In January 2025, Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned that the government may soon offer monthly and annual toll passes for private vehicles. According to data from the financial year 2023-24, private vehicles contributed 53% of toll transactions. If this rule is introduced, FASTag users will have unlimited access to the toll pass, allowing them to drive without stopping at toll booths on national highways and expressways.