A Hybrid Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system is being launched in a major step towards the modernisation of the toll collection infrastructure in India.
The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) model is under test in some National Highways corridors of the nation as the nation approximates towards the realization of interruption-free highway driving.
This is in spite of the much-touted satellite-based tolling system, which is still in the discussion phase owing to issues of privacy, security and control over the operations.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha in a written response on Monday, July 3,0, that the satellite tolling system is yet to be made operational and as an interim measure, the usage of ANPR-FASTag models based on the corridor has been given approvals.
So what is the ANPR-FASTag System (AFS)?
The AFS model incorporates the current FASTag RFID based tolling with automatic number plate recognition cameras so that vehicles are determined and tolling does not need to slow-down, stop and take dedicated lanes.
In the case of this barrier-free MLFF, the congestion is likely to be minimal and it is likely to improve the efficiency of the toll operations, as well.
Pilot Locations Announced
According to the government, the following toll plazas have been selected for the initial pilot phase:
Choryasi (NH-8, Bharuch–Surat) – Project awarded
Gharaunda (NH-44, Panipat–Jalandhar) – Bid under evaluation
Nemili (NH-48, Walajapet–Poonamallee) – Bid under evaluation
Bijwasan and Panchgaon (NH-248BB, Dwarka Expressway) – Bids invited
Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur, Daulatpura (NH-48, Delhi–Jaipur) – Bids invited
UER-II (NH-344M & NH-344N, Urban Extension Road-II) – Under re-bidding
These sites were selected based on criteria like traffic density, geographic coverage, and toll booth design.
Handling Violations and Support System
To cause a drop in toll defaulters, the ministry will use e-notices in accordance with the National Highways Fee Rules. Through:
Processing in the e-Notice portal (NIC-developed)
National Highways Helpline -1033
FASTag issuing banks
RajmargYatra mobile application
As India works to modernize the roadways network, the ANPR-FASTag hybrid tolling system has an opportunity to bring a considerable shift in the overall tolling functionality, with it being a quicker, more open and visibly easier method of traversing along the nationwide roads.
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