FASTag Annual Pass – In a major update for vehicle owners across India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that the FASTag annual pass will not remain valid across all toll plazas from 2025. With new regional restrictions and updates in toll collection policies, FASTag users must now verify the coverage zones before purchasing or renewing their annual passes. The move is expected to bring changes in toll fee structures, zonal limitations, and usability, especially for commercial and regular inter-state travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about the FASTag annual pass restrictions, where it will remain valid, and the new zones excluded from the nationwide access.
What is the FASTag Annual Pass?
The FASTag annual pass is a prepaid option under the FASTag toll payment system allowing users unlimited access through specific toll plazas for one year. It has traditionally been popular among frequent highway users, especially those commuting regularly between states or through high-traffic corridors.
Key Benefits of the FASTag Annual Pass (Till 2024)
- Unlimited passage through select toll plazas for a fixed annual fee
- Saves time and fuel by avoiding cash payment lines
- Used widely by transport companies and long-distance commuters
- Linked directly to the user’s bank account or prepaid wallet
- Valid across most National Highway Authority of India toll plazas
What Has Changed in 2025?
From January 2025, FASTag annual passes will no longer be universally accepted across all Indian toll plazas. Instead, their functionality will be restricted to specific zones or regions, depending on the issuing agency and the location of registration.
Reasons Behind the New FASTag Restrictions
- Regional infrastructure changes and funding allocations
- Decentralization of toll plaza administration
- Frequent misuse of nationwide passes for commercial purposes
- Push for digital toll dynamic pricing models
Zones Where FASTag Annual Pass Will Still Work
According to the NHAI notification, FASTag annual passes will remain valid in the following locations:
| Region/Zone | Valid Toll Plazas | Issuing Authority | Maximum Trips Allowed/Month | Covered Highways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-NCR Region | 18 Toll Plazas | NHAI/ICICI FASTag | Unlimited | NH-44, NH-9, NH-19 |
| Mumbai-Maharashtra Zone | 14 Toll Plazas | Axis/HDFC FASTag | Unlimited | NH-48, NH-160 |
| Bangalore-Karnataka Region | 10 Toll Plazas | IDFC/NHAI FASTag | Unlimited | NH-48, NH-275 |
| Hyderabad-Telangana Zone | 9 Toll Plazas | Kotak/NHAI FASTag | Unlimited | NH-65, NH-44 |
| Chennai-Tamil Nadu | 7 Toll Plazas | Paytm FASTag | Unlimited | NH-32, NH-45 |
| Kerala Zone | 6 Toll Plazas | HDFC/ICICI FASTag | Unlimited | NH-66 |
| Gujarat Corridor | 11 Toll Plazas | SBI FASTag | Unlimited | NH-8, NH-64 |
| Punjab-Haryana Belt | 8 Toll Plazas | ICICI/IDFC FASTag | Unlimited | NH-44, NH-1 |
Regions Where FASTag Annual Pass Will NOT Work Anymore
The annual pass will not be accepted at toll plazas in these states/areas post-2025:
| Region/Zone | Restricted Toll Plazas | Affected Vehicles | Reason for Restriction | Alternative Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern UP | 12 Toll Plazas | Private & CVs | Policy decentralization | Monthly recharge only |
| Bihar | 9 Toll Plazas | All vehicles | State funding model revised | Pay-per-use FASTag |
| North-East States | 15 Toll Plazas | All vehicles | Road contract under state | State-issued passes |
| Rajasthan | 10 Toll Plazas | Commercial vehicles | Policy conflict | FASTag monthly plans |
| Jharkhand | 7 Toll Plazas | All types | Toll agency privatization | Dynamic pricing per trip |
| Chhattisgarh | 5 Toll Plazas | All types | Annual pass misuse | App-based toll payments |
Who Will Be Affected the Most?
The new rules primarily impact users who:
- Travel inter-state frequently
- Own commercial transport vehicles
- Have registered vehicles in excluded zones
- Renewed annual passes before 2025 expecting national access
Types of Users Affected
- Intercity Taxi Operators
- Logistics and Transport Companies
- Regular Commuters from Eastern States
- Tourists using own vehicles for long-distance travel
What Are the New Alternatives to the Annual Pass?
Since the FASTag annual pass will now be limited in its coverage, users can consider the following:
- Monthly FASTag Recharge Plans: Tailored for heavy users, valid for specific corridors
- Dynamic Pricing Pay-Per-Trip: Automatically deducts toll fee based on route and distance
- Regional FASTag Subscriptions: Available for users registered in specific zones
- Corporate Transport FASTag Plans: Special pricing for logistics companies
How to Check FASTag Annual Pass Validity Before Travel?
It is essential to verify the zone-wise validity of your FASTag annual pass before planning a road journey. You can:
- Log in to the official NHAI or issuing bank’s FASTag portal
- Use the NHAI FASTag mobile app to check pass details
- Contact customer support of your FASTag provider
- Use toll plaza look-up feature on FASTag app to view acceptance
Summary of FASTag Annual Pass Updates
| Aspect | Till 2024 | From 2025 Onwards |
|---|---|---|
| National Coverage | Yes | No (Zone-specific only) |
| Unlimited Use Nationwide | Yes | Limited to registered region |
| Toll Plaza Acceptance | Most NH Plazas | Selected toll plazas only |
| Pass Price (Avg.) | ₹1,500-₹2,500/year | ₹1,200-₹1,800/year |
| Affected Users | None | Inter-state travelers, CVs |
| Validity Check Requirement | Not needed | Mandatory |
The FASTag annual pass, once hailed as a hassle-free way to commute across India’s highways, is now undergoing a major shift in accessibility and usage. With zonal limitations being enforced from 2025, users must adapt to the changes by switching to region-specific plans or opting for monthly dynamic pricing models. Before traveling or renewing your FASTag annual pass, it is highly recommended to check the latest updates on pass coverage. For those regularly moving between states, planning in advance will help avoid toll payment issues on the road.
FAQs
Q1. Will my existing FASTag annual pass stop working from January 2025?
Yes, if your pass is being used outside the valid zone or corridor as per the new NHAI rules, it will no longer be accepted.
Q2. Can I apply for a new annual pass that works across India in 2025?
No, the new rule restricts nationwide coverage. You can only get zone-specific passes.
Q3. How do I know if my zone is still covered under the annual pass system?
Check your FASTag provider’s portal or the NHAI website for updated zone-wise coverage maps.
Q4. Are monthly or dynamic pricing plans more expensive than the annual pass?
It depends on your travel frequency. For high-volume users, monthly plans may be more economical.
Q5. Can commercial vehicle operators still benefit from FASTag passes in 2025?
Yes, but only through zone-specific commercial FASTag plans or dynamic route-based payments.