New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) In just a few months, over 40 lakh FASTag annual passes have been purchased, with nearly 20 percent of car users embracing this initiative, showcasing how affordability and convenience can coexist, according to the government on Wednesday.

Introduced on August 15, 2025, users can now pay Rs 3,000 for either 200 toll trips or a full year of travel, depending on which comes first, across 1,159 toll plazas nationwide.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reports that frequent highway users across the country are experiencing relief.

For many, this annual pass has drastically reduced daily travel expenses and has made regular commutes much more manageable.

A local resident from Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, shared, "I frequently travel to Chandigarh. Previously, a round trip would cost me Rs 150, but with the annual pass, my cost has dropped to just Rs 30, which is a significant relief for me."

This pass has effectively transformed unpredictable monthly toll costs into a stable, hassle-free expense, bringing certainty, savings, and a smoother travel experience throughout the year without the frequent need to recharge their FASTag.

The ministry noted that over 15 lakh UPI transactions were carried out at toll plazas, amounting to Rs 19.44 crore, between November 15 and December 10, 2025.

Moreover, there has been a 25 percent drop in cash collections, alleviating congestion and enhancing transparency. Currently, 98 percent of vehicles utilize FASTag, and the remaining users are gradually transitioning, aided not only by penalties but also by user-friendly incentives, as stated by the ministry.

Additionally, new regulations stipulate that when upgrading roads from two lanes with paved shoulders to four, six, or more lanes, users only need to pay 50 percent of the previous toll until the upgrades are completed.