FASTag Annual Pass Achieves Widespread Adoption with 50 Lakh Users in Six Months
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reported a significant milestone for the FASTag Annual Pass scheme, with over half a crore (50 lakh) highway car users purchasing the pass in the past six months since its launch. This innovative initiative has facilitated a staggering 26.5 crore toll payments at plazas across the country, each transaction costing Rs 15.
Boost in Highway Travel Frequency
Data analysis reveals a remarkable 50% increase in trips among car users who typically took up to a maximum of 100 trips annually. This surge indicates that the annual pass has effectively encouraged more frequent highway travel, making journeys more convenient and cost-effective for regular commuters.
Penetration and Future Implications
NHAI officials highlighted that approximately 28% of total car transactions recorded on the national highway network are now conducted through the FASTag Annual Pass. They emphasized that increased adoption among private car users will play a crucial role in the better implementation of Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) or barrier-less toll collection systems, which are currently being rolled out to enhance traffic efficiency.
Regional Adoption Patterns
A region-wise analysis shows Chandigarh leading in usage, accounting for 14% of total annual pass transactions nationwide. Tamil Nadu follows closely at 12.3%, with Delhi at 11.5%. These figures demonstrate the widespread adoption of the annual pass across diverse geographies, from northern urban centers to southern states.
Top Performing Toll Plazas
Specific toll plazas have shown particularly high usage rates:
- Bijwasan toll plaza in Delhi-NCR has recorded the maximum usage, with around 57% of total car crossings utilizing the annual pass.
- Mundka in Delhi-NCR and Jhinjholi plaza in Sonipat both registered approximately 53% of non-commercial vehicle crossings using the annual pass.
Scheme Details and Upcoming Changes
The FASTag Annual Pass is applicable across 1,150 fee plazas on national highways and expressways. It eliminates the need for frequent FASTag recharges through a one-time fee payment of Rs 3,000, valid for one year or up to 200 toll plaza crossings. Notably, the charge for the annual pass is set to be hiked in April, aligning with the revision of toll charges.
Activation Process
The annual pass gets activated within two hours on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle after payment of the one-time fee. This can be done conveniently through the Rajmargyatra app or the official NHAI website, ensuring a seamless user experience.
