India, June 18 -- Union minister for road transport and highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said the government will soon introduce a FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles at a cost of Rs.3,000 for hassle-free highway travel.

Effective from August 15 this year, this pass will have to be renewed every year from the date of activation or after 200 trips, whichever comes first.

Officials said that every exit of toll booths will be counted as one trip for all highways, except controlled access expressways, while for controlled access highways, the entire travel can be counted as one trip.

"By reducing wait times, easing congestion, and minimising disputes at toll plazas, the annual pass aims to deliver a faster and smoother...