FASTag Annual Pass: What Is It, How Does It Differ From The Current System & All You Need To Know

If you’re tired of always checking your FASTag balance before any road trip or long travel, then we have some news for you! The government is planning to introduce a new annual FASTag pass. Under this, users have the option of unlimited highway travel for a flat fee of ₹3,000 per year. Intrigued, scroll on to know more about this proposed plan.

All You Need To Know About FASTag Annual Pass

According to the Hindustan Times, a new policy may soon allow four-wheelers to zoom through highways without worrying about toll charges. Well, the government is considering a new annual FASTag pass that will offer users the option of unlimited highway travel for a flat fee of ₹3,000 per year.

This annual pass will grant unlimited access to national highways, expressways, and state expressways, without the need for any additional recharges throughout the year. Alternatively, they can also choose the option of a distance-based pricing model. As per the proposal, this will allow users to pay ₹50 for every 100 kilometres travelled.

The second option is ideal for those who do not travel long distances regularly. In this model, users will only have to pay ₹50 for every 100 kilometres, instead of the current variable toll rates. This, the authorities believe, provides flexibility and affordability for occasional travellers.

In the current FASTag model, users have to maintain a prepaid balance that gets deducted every time they cross a toll plaza. These toll charges are based on fixed rates for each toll booth. Also, users have to manually (or enable auto-recharge via linked bank accounts or wallets) to recharge the tag.

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What About Existing Users?

As per the current proposal, existing tag owners can transition, and get a FASTag annual pass without the need to show any additional documents or account changes. The users can shift to the new policy with their current account itself. How the transition will work and more details about it are awaited.

Reports suggest that the government is also planning a barrier-free tolling system. What does this mean? Well, toll plazas may no longer have physical barriers. They will, instead, be replaced with sensor-based tolling systems. As per the authorities, this will reduce traffic jams, save fuel, and make highway travel faster and smoother.

Also Read: Bengaluru To Get 114-km Elevated Corridor To Ease Traffic, Says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

What are your thoughts about this proposed FASTag annual pass? Let us know in the comments.

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