Active FASTag users reach 6.23 crore as India expands barrier-free tolling

The Centre told Parliament that India had 6.23 crore active FASTag users by June 2026 and was expanding barrier-less tolling on highways. The update highlights strong annual pass uptake, phased MLFF rollout and a wait on any decision over GNSS tolling.The government said the Rs 3,075 annual pass has helped frequent travellers enjoy a more convenient and cost-effective toll payment system.India's electronic toll collection network has expanded significantly, with the government informing Parliament that the country had 6.23 crore active FASTag users as of June 2026. The Centre also said it is accelerating the rollout of barrier-less tolling systems aimed at making highway travel faster, smoother and more efficient.In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on July 30, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways detailed the progress of FASTag adoption and the government's plans to modernise toll collection on national highways.77 LAKH ANNUAL PASSES ISSUEDThe ministry said the FASTag Annual Pass scheme, launched on August 15, 2025, for non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans, has seen strong uptake among highway users.By June 2026, more than 77 lakh annual passes had been issued under the scheme, resulting in nearly 63 crore toll transactions. Annual pass holders now account for around 33 per cent of all electronic toll transactions made by cars, jeeps and vans. The government said the Rs 3,075 annual pass has helped frequent travellers enjoy a more convenient and cost-effective toll payment system.INDIA MOVES TOWARDS BARRIER-LESS TOLLINGTo further improve highway travel, the government is implementing Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling technology, which allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping. The system combines FASTag (RFID), Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and artificial intelligence to automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges.The ministry said the technology is expected to reduce congestion at toll plazas, save fuel, improve road safety and shorten travel times by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop or slow down.So far, 17 toll plazas have been approved for MLFF implementation, with five already operational. Additionally, 104 more toll plazas have been identified for future barrier-less tolling deployment.NO FINAL DECISION ON SATELLITE-BASED TOLLINGThe government clarified that a final decision on introducing satellite-based GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tolling has not yet been taken.According to the ministry, an expert committee examining the proposal has recommended further discussions before any nationwide rollout is considered. For now, the focus remains on expanding the FASTag- and ANPR-based MLFF system in a phased manner.TOLL PLAZA DISTANCE RULE REMAINSThe Centre also reiterated that under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, the minimum distance between two toll plazas in the same direction is generally 60 kilometres.However, exceptions may be allowed in special circumstances, subject to approval by the competent authority based on local conditions and recommendations of a review committee.With 6.23 crore active FASTag users, more than 77 lakh annual passes in circulation, and barrier-less tolling being expanded across the highway network, the government says it is working towards a smarter, faster and more digitally integrated road transport system.- EndsPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 03:34 IST