In a significant move, the Central government is gearing up to commence trials of GPS-based toll collections on five to ten highways starting next month. A high-ranking government official has revealed that this advanced tolling system, known for its speed and efficiency, is anticipated to eventually replace the existing FASTag based tolling mechanism.
The innovative GPS tolling system is set to undergo pilot testing on select highway stretches before its nationwide implementation, according to Anurag Jain, the secretary of the Ministry of Roads. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is spearheading the development of this satellite-based tolling approach, aiming to introduce a more equitable toll collection method on highways.
Jain highlighted that initial concerns about the new system will be addressed during the pilot phase, allowing for the refinement of a foolproof tolling mechanism. Unlike the current model, the GPS-based tolling system will eliminate the need for dedicated toll plazas, as tolls will be collected seamlessly on the go. This requires the geofencing of highways using GPS or RFID technologies to establish virtual geographic boundaries. Under this system, vehicles will be equipped with devices tracking their movement, and tolls will be charged based on the distance travelled at the highway exit point.
This transformative approach ensures a fairer toll structure, allowing commuters to pay a lower toll for shorter distances. In contrast to the present system where fixed tolls are mandated at toll plazas, GPS-based tolling enables charges based on the actual distance travelled. By leveraging sensors, this system eliminates the need for commuters to halt at toll plazas, streamlining the overall toll collection process.
Highway users will be required to register themselves and their vehicles, linking bank accounts for seamless toll payments. Notably, the Road Ministry has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, to accommodate toll fee calculation based on the distance covered by the vehicle on national highways. This marks a significant step toward revolutionizing toll collection methods in the country.