The FASTag Annual Pass has emerged as a game-changer for Indian highway commuters, with data revealing that at least one in every five car users on tolled National Highway stretches now utilizes this convenient payment method. In just three and a half months since its launch, the scheme has attracted an impressive 36.3 lakh active users and continues to grow at a remarkable pace of approximately 20,000 new buyers daily.
Unprecedented Adoption Across Toll Plazas
The Rs 3,000 annual pass allows private car owners unlimited access to 200 toll plazas across the country for an entire year, effectively reducing the cost per plaza crossing to just Rs 15. This has positioned it as the most convenient and economical payment option for inter-city travelers who regularly use National Highways.
Data collected from more than a dozen toll plazas indicates that over 40% of car users are now paying their user fees through the annual pass system. At the national level, approximately 22% of all toll transactions for cars are processed using this innovative payment method.
Leading Toll Plazas in FASTag Pass Adoption
The newly operational Bijwasan toll plaza on Delhi's Dwarka Expressway has demonstrated the highest adoption rate, with more than 50% of car transactions occurring through the annual pass. Close behind are the Mundka toll plaza in Delhi at 48.2% and the Jhinjholi plaza in Sonipat, Haryana, where the share exceeds 47%.
A senior NHAI official confirmed these impressive statistics, highlighting how quickly Indian commuters have embraced this new system. The data further reveals that approximately 13 lakh toll payment transactions are processed through the annual pass each day, demonstrating its significant impact on highway operations.
Positive Impact on Toll Operations and Commuter Experience
Initial feedback from both toll operators and commuters indicates substantial improvements in the overall toll plaza experience. Officials report that there have been hardly any instances of altercation or violence between commuters and fee collectors at plazas since the implementation of the annual pass system.
The increased adoption has also contributed to significantly reduced queues at toll gates, improving traffic flow and reducing waiting times for all highway users. This efficiency gain benefits not only annual pass holders but also other vehicles using the National Highways.
A top official from IHMCL, an NHAI subsidiary, stated that the scheme has improved the operational efficiency of toll operators considerably. The organization plans to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the scheme soon to further optimize its implementation and address any emerging challenges.
