Latest news with #FASTag-based
News18
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
FASTag: Can Annual Travel Pass Help You Save Money? Minimum & Maximum Recharges Explained
Last Updated: The National Highways Authority of India will start issuing the pass from August 15 for Rs 3,000. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday introduced a FASTag-based annual pass, effective from August 15. The Annual Toll Pass (ATP) will cost Rs 3,000, down from the earlier Rs 10,000, and will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 visits, whichever comes first. The policy intends to simplify toll payments, alleviate congestion, and reduce friction at toll booths across the country. What is the Validity? The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will start issuing the pass from August 15 for Rs 3,000. It will be valid for one year from the purchase date or 200 travels at National Highway and Expressway fee plazas. Once the trip limit has been surpassed, you can renew an ATP for a year. Alternatively, you can also use the FASTag, as purchasing an ATP is not mandatory to drive on the NHAI network. Those who want to continue utilising FASTag can do so. As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this scheme falls under the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Who Can Use the Annual Pass? It is designed specifically for non-commercial private vehicles, including cars, jeeps and vans. To be qualified for the facility, the vehicle must have a valid registration and a functional FASTag. This pass does not cover commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, or taxis. The annual toll pass can be activated and renewed using a dedicated link that the government will soon make accessible on the Rajmarg Yatra App as well as the MoRTH and NHAI official websites. To complete the activation process, users must enter their vehicle details as well as their FASTag ID. Can An Annual Travel Pass Help You Save Money? According to the ministry, regular users can save up to Rs 7,000 per year, as the average toll payment will be reduced from Rs 50 to Rs 15 per trip. 'By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas, the Annual Pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother travel experience for millions of private vehicle owners," the minister said. Here's How Much You Can Save With the ATP: Delhi to Mumbai From Delhi to Mumbai, there are approximately 12 to 15 toll plazas, including Kherki Daula, Kishangarh, Ahmedabad Ring Road, Surat, Vapi, and Dahisar. On closed-tolling highways, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a vehicle is only charged at the entry and exit points, indicating that it is a single trip. So, if the one-way toll charge is around Rs 1,900, the round-trip will be Rs 3,800. However, if you choose the new FASTag yearly plan, you pay only Rs 3,000 per year and get unlimited travel till you finish 200 trips. Delhi to Jaipur Between Delhi and Jaipur, there are four tolls — Ghamroj, Hilalpur, Bhandarraj and Rajadhok. And if you go twice a month, the monthly expenses are around Rs 1,288, bringing the total annual cost to Rs 15, 456. But with ATP, you only need to pay Rs 3,000 for a year of unlimited travel on this route and can save more than Rs 12,000.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: What is RFID technology in FASTag? Key concept for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: FASTag is an important milestone in the move towards Digital India. Knowing about the technology deployed in FASTag is important as per the current trends of the UPSC questions. Also, the development of indigenous navigation satellites has been in the news for quite some time. Previously, UPSC has asked Prelims and Mains questions on IRNSS. ) Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (18th June) announced a FASTag-based annual pass priced at Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free-highway travel'. He said the new system, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will address the 'long-standing concerns' regarding toll plazas. It will go into effect from August 15 and be valid for one year or 200 trips, whichever comes earlier. 1. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). FASTag sticker is usually pasted on the windscreen of a car. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. 2. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate with scanners installed at toll plazas. Once the car crosses a toll plaza, the requisite toll amount is automatically deducted from a bank account or a prepaid wallet linked to the FASTag. 3. RFID is a wireless tracking system that consists of tags and readers. Radio waves are used to communicate information/identity of objects or people to nearby readers – devices that can be hand-held or built into fixed positions like poles or buildings. The tags can carry encrypted information, serial numbers and short descriptions. There are also high-memory tags like the ones designed for use in the aviation industry. 4. There are different types of RFID tags: Passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Active RFIDs use their own power source, mostly batteries. Active tags can ping information every few seconds like beacons, or they can get activated when a reader is in the proximity. 5. Passive RFIDs, on the other hand, are activated through the reader using the electromagnetic energy it transmits. This is enough power for the tag to transmit information back to the reader. Active tags have a longer read range, around 300 ft, compared to passive tags. FASTag uses passive RFID tags. Semi-passive tags comprise an internal circuit with a power source, but rely on the radio waves received from the reader to transmit the response. 6. RFID tags use an integrated circuit and an antenna to communicate with a reader using radio waves at several different frequencies – low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). The message sent back by the tag in the form of radio waves is translated into data and analysed by the host computer system. ➥ The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will soon implement the barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' at selected toll plazas. ➥ This tolling system will combine 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) technology with the existing 'FASTag' system for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification using high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers. The vehicles don't need to stop at toll plaza for this. ➥ In March, the Union Minister of Transport informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has deferred the proposed adoption of an ambitious Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for toll account of privacy concerns. ➥ Under the GNSS, the toll collection system works with the help of satellites and on-board unit (OBU) fitted in vehicles, and the toll is calculated based on the distance traveled. ➥ Sources said that the GNSS has been put on hold as a decision was taken that it will be rolled out only when India has its own complete satellite system as there are serious privacy concerns regarding individuals and vehicle data. 1. NavIC, or Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent, stand-alone navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of a seven-satellite constellation serving both defence and civilian needs. According to the website of ISRO, the three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit, and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit 2. The idea for an indigenous GNSS was conceived in 1999 following the war in Kargil, during which India's military could not use the American Global Positioning System (GPS) in the conflict zone. In this regard, the first satellite, IRNSS 1A, was launched on July 1, 2013. 3. Following the launch of IRNSS-1G, the seventh in the series on April 28, 2016, ISRO had said that 'the successful launch… [of the satellite] signifies the completion of the IRNSS constellation'. However, mid-2016 onward, there were reports of failures of the rubidium atomic clocks used in several navigation satellites. Only five of the 11 satellites launched in the Rs 2,250 crore NavIC program – including replacements for failed satellites – are fully operational, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said. 4. The NavIC satellites provide two types of services – Standard Positioning Service which is for general and commercial use, and Restricted Service which is meant for the defence forces – over the Indian landmass and neighbouring regions. 5. A primary reason to develop an indigenous satellite navigation system like the IRNSS despite the existence of global systems such as the GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe), Beidou (China), and QZSS (Japan), is the reliability that it offers in defence use. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None (Source: Explained: What are RFID tags that will be used to track Amarnath pilgrims?, FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which aims to provide 'hassle-free highway travel' at Rs 3,000, Story of NavIC: crucial indigenous SatNav system, a few hurdles in development path) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on automobile loading terminals of the Indian Railways, FASTag and more (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the FASTag, consider the following statements: 1. It is managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). 2. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. 3. In its new annual pass scheme, there is no limitation on the number of trips. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Minister of Road Transport and Highways introduced an annual FASTag-based permit of Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free highway travel.' — FASTag is an electronic toll collecting system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A FASTag sticker is typically placed on the windscreen of a vehicle. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — It was established as a trial initiative in 2014 and will become required at all toll plazas in the country by 2021. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The new annual pass plan, enabled on the FASTag, will let private cars, jeeps and vans to pass via National Highway (NH) and National Motorway (NE) pay plazas for the specified term without incurring per-trip user fees. — Once the Annual Pass has completed 200 travels or one year from the date of activation, it will automatically return to a regular FASTag. However, after the 200-trip limit is reached, the user may repurchase the Annual Pass, even if the one-year validity period has not yet expired. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The pass is not transferable and is only valid for the vehicle to which the FASTag is affixed and registered. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Strait of Hormuz, consider the following statements: 1. Around one-fifth of global liquid petroleum fuel consumption and global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade transits through the strait. 2. It is a critical narrow waterway between Iran and Kuwait. 3. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 4. India's LNG imports from Qatar do not come through the Strait of Hormuz. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Hence, statement 2 is not correct and statement 3 is correct. — The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) refers to it as the 'world's most important oil transit chokepoint,' with the strait handling around one-fifth of worldwide liquid petroleum fuel usage and liquefied natural gas (LNG) traffic. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Much of India's oil comes from significant West Asian sources such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE and is transported to Indian ports via the Strait of Hormuz. The majority of India's LNG imports, which are primarily from Qatar, also pass through this critical choke point. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the automobile loading terminals of the Indian Railways and region associated, consider the following pairs: 1. Chitpur – Eastern Railway 2. Hirakud – East Coast Railway 3. New Tinsukia – Northeast Frontier Railway How many of the pairs given above are correctly marked? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Amid a campaign to reduce carbon emissions in the automobile sector, the Indian Railways' share of passenger vehicles shipped has climbed to more than 20% of total car production in the country in 2024-25, up from 1.7% in 2014-15. This has created a fresh opportunity for the railways to increase revenue while also fulfilling India's net zero emission objective by 2070. — The Ministry of Railways has also added many automobile loading terminals in recent years namely Chitpur (Eastern Railway), Penukonda (South Western Railway), Nasrala (Northern Railway), Nautanwa and Bakshi ka Talab (North Eastern Railway), Mesra (East Central Railway), Hirakud (East Coast Railway), Champaner and Chharodi (Western Railway), Baihata, Salchapra, Furkating, New Tinsukia, Jirania, Agthori (Northeast Frontier Railway), Loni, Khadki, AJNI, Vilad (Central Railway) etc. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The French military aircraft and business jet maker Dassault Aviation will manufacture its best-selling business executive jet—the Falcon 2000—at Nagpur in partnership with: (a) Tata Advanced Systems Limited (b) Mahindra Aerospace (c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (d) Reliance Aerostructure Limited Explanation — Dassault Aviation, a French military aircraft and business jet manufacturer, will produce its best-selling business executive jet, the Falcon 2000, in Nagpur in collaboration with Reliance Group company Reliance Aerostructure Ltd (RAL). — At the Paris Air Show, the two firms announced a strategic cooperation for this goal, stating that the first Falcon 2000 plane built in India will be ready in 2028. — Dassault Aviation will construct Falcon 2000 jets outside of France for the first time in the company's long history. This pioneering endeavour will position India as a strategic hub for high-end business jet manufacture. — It is a momentous time for the Indian aerospace and manufacturing industries, as the landmark agreement allows India to join the elite club of countries building next-generation business jets, which includes the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. As of May 2025, what is the correct chronological order of these countries in terms of economy from top to bottom? 1. United States 2. Germany 3. China 4. India 5. Japan Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1—2—3—4—5 (b) 1—3—5—2—4 (c) 1—5—4—3—2 (d) 1—3—2—4—5 Explanation — BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of Aayog, announced that India had surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth largest economy. — Subrahmanyam, citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) figures, stated that India is now larger than Japan. Until 2024, India was the world's fifth largest economy. 'It is only the US, China and Germany which are larger than India, and if we stick to what is being planned and what is being thought through, in 2.5-3 years, we will be the third largest economy,' Subrahmanyam told the crowd. — In its April World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, the IMF predicted that India would be the world's fourth largest economy by 2025, with a GDP of USD 4.19 trillion, ahead of Japan. — The IMF forecasts India's nominal GDP for 2025 (FY26) to be USD 4.187 billion, slightly higher than Japan's probable GDP of USD 4.187 billion. According to IMF figures, India's per capita income has doubled, from USD 1,438 in 2013-14 to USD 2,880 in 2025. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Explained: FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which aims to provide ‘hassle-free highway travel' at Rs 3,000
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (June 18) announced a FASTag-based annual pass of Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free-highway travel'. He said the new system, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will address the 'long-standing concerns' regarding toll plazas. Gadkari said the FASTag-based passes will be effective from August 15 and valid for one year or 200 trips or crossings, whichever comes earlier. He also said that users will save at least Rs. 7,000 per pass, and the average cost of crossing one toll plaza will be only Rs 15. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A FASTag sticker is usually pasted on the windscreen of a car. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. The new annual pass scheme, activated on the FASTag, will allow free passage of private car, jeep or van at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for the given duration, without per-trip user fee charges. Once the Annual Pass completes either 200 trips or one year from the date of activation, it will automatically revert to a regular FASTag. However, the user may re-purchase the Annual Pass once the 200-trip limit is exhausted, even if the one-year validity period has not yet ended. The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered. For the point-based fee plazas, each crossing of the fee plaza will be counted as one trip. A round trip (to and fro) will be counted as two trips. For closed tolling fee plazas, one pair of entry and exit will be counted as one trip. No, the Annual Pass is not mandatory. The existing FASTag ecosystem will continue to operate as it is. Users who do not opt for the Annual Pass can continue to use their FASTag for regular transactions as per applicable user fee rates at fee plazas. Which vehicles are covered under the pass? The Annual Pass is applicable only for private non-commercial Car, Jeep and Van. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), use of annual pass in any commercial vehicle will result in immediate deactivation without notice. How will it be activated? It will be activated after verifying the eligibility of the vehicle and the associated FASTag. Upon successful verification, the user will have to make a payment of Rs. 3,000 for the base year 2025–26 through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the NHAI website. Once the payment is confirmed, the Annual Pass will be activated on the registered FASTag. The user will receive SMS notifications related to the Annual Pass. Those who already have the FASTag need not purchase a new FASTag, as the Annual Pass can be activated on existing FASTag. However, it should meet the eligibility criteria, i.e., it is properly affixed on the vehicle's windshield, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number, not blacklisted, etc. Are all toll plazas covered under the pass? No. It is valid only at National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas. At fee plazas on Expressways, State Highways, etc. managed by state governments or local bodies, the FASTag will operate as a regular FASTag, and applicable user fee charges will apply. Will the Annual Pass fee be revised? Yes. A notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on June 17 says that the amount of fee payable for the pass may be revised annually with effect from the April 1 of every year. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
FASTag Annual Pass: Cost, availability, eligibility, annual savings explained
The central government recently announced the new FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000. The FASTag annual pass will be valid for a year from the date of issue or for 200 trips, whichever comes first. This will help reduce the cost burden for private vehicle owners and reduce congestion on highways. If you are planning to buy a FASTag annual pass, here's all you need to know. If you are planning to buy a FASTag annual pass, here's all you need to know. What is the FASTag Annual Pass? The FASTag annual pass is a yearly subscription that makes travelling seamless for private vehicle users. Unlike the existing FASTag system, where users need to load the digital wallet with money under a prepaid system, the annual pass requires you to purchase it only once a year and tracks the usage based on the number of trips made. The existing system will continue to run alongside the new annual pass. Also check these Vehicles Find more Cars Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc 2999.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 1.30 Cr Compare View Offers BMW X4 2998 cc 2998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 96.20 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh 72.8 kWh 405 Km 405 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc 1950 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING MG eHS 16.6 kWh 16.6 kWh 52 km 52 km ₹ 45 - 55 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Also Read : FASTag Annual Pass launched at ₹3,000, valid for 200 trips a year The FASTag annual pass will be applicable only on national highways, while state highways won't be eligible under the same FASTag Annual Pass: Eligibility & Availability The FASTag-based annual pass will be available only for non-commercial private vehicle owners, including cars, jeeps, vans and more. This essentially makes the pass valid for private car buyers. Commercial goods and passenger vehicles will not be eligible for the annual pass. Instead, they will continue to use the existing FASTag toll collection system. The FASTag annual pass will be available from August 15, 2025. FASTag Annual Pass: Validity The annual pass will be valid for up to one year from the date of issue, or for 200 trips in a year. If you happen to utilise all 200 trips before the year ends, you will need to purchase the annual pass again, which will then be valid from the date of issue. The one-time payment makes the process more seamless, especially if you tend to forget recharging your FASTag wallet more often or simply drive on the highways often. FASTag Annual Pass: Does it cover National Highways and Expressways? The initiative falls under the National Highways Fee (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and will apply only on National Highways. The state highway tolls won't be eligible for the annual pass. For instance, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NHAI) will be eligible under the annual pass, but the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg won't be eligible, since these are state highways. FASTag Annual Pass: How to buy one? You will be able to purchase the annual pass from mid-July onwards via the Rajmarg Yatra app, the official website of NHAI, or the MoRTH website. The annual pass will be linked to your existing FASTag on the vehicle and will be activated within two hours of making the purchase. The FASTag annual pass is only available through government channels at the moment and is not available on other third-party platforms. FASTag Annual Pass: Does it really save money? The annual pass can bring down the toll cost by a healthy margin for regular highway users. If you paid ₹50 per toll for 200 trips, you'd spend about ₹10,000 in a year. This comes down to just ₹3,000 a year with the annual pass, making it just ₹15 per toll. For instance, the toll cost between Mumbai and Bengaluru comes to about ₹1,500 on a one-way trip with about 20 tolls on the way. This would drop down to about ₹300 with the annual pass, apart from the ₹320 spent on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Similarly, travelling on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway (NH-44) costs about ₹325 in tolls across four plazas. This will reduce to just ₹60 for a one-way trip. FASTag Annual Pass: Other Benefits The government says the annual pass will help reduce wait times, ease congestion, and minimise disputes at toll plazas. The move also addresses concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range. FASTag Annual Pass: Will it cover parking? No. The annual pass will only work on toll plazas and won't cover parking at malls or other paid parking spaces. The existing FASTag system will continue as the same. FASTag Annual Pass: Should you buy? It depends on your usage when it comes to buying the annual pass. If you travel anything between 2,500-3000 km in a year via national highways, the pass makes sense and will lead to significant savings. However, if you seldom drive outside the city and do not use toll roads often, the existing FASTag system should be your pick. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
