The government of India has started testing barrier-free tolling using ANPR and FASTag on 8 national highways. This method of toll collection would allow drivers to pass by without stopping, thus not only saving them time but also reducing vehicle congestion, which results in traffic jams.
Satellite Tolling on Hold
The government has put the idea of using satellites to track and pay tolls on hold due to privacy and security concerns. Instead, ANPR and FASTag will be used together as a new, efficient, and easy way to pay the toll.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition): Cameras are used to read a vehicle's number plate.
FASTag (RFID Tag): To deduct the toll charges from your prepaid account.
In this combination, when a car drives through a toll plaza, the ANPR system recognises the number plate, then FASTag confirms your identity and deducts your toll automatically without the need to stop. This makes the toll payment system easier and more convenient.
Pilot Locations: Where Are These Being Tested?
The new system of ANPR and FASTag for tolling is being tested on 8 NHs (National Highways). These specific locations were chosen based on geography, traffic volume, road layout, and the level of congestion.
The select locations are as follows:
Pilot already awarded:
Choryasi toll (NH-8) – Bharuch-Surat stretch
Under Evaluation:
Gharaunda toll (NH-44) – Panipat-Jalandhar stretch
Nemili (Sriperumbudur) toll (NH-48) – Walajapet-Poomalle stretch
Bids Invited:
Bijwasan and Panchgaon tolls – Dwarka Expressway (NH-248BB)
Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur, and Daulatpura tolls – Delhi-Jaipur stretch (NH-48)
Conclusion
Tolls make up an essential part of the government's revenue collection and play an integral role in the maintenance of our country. If the ongoing pilots turn out to be a success, the government of India will begin rolling out no-barrier toll plazas using ANPR and FASTag at multiple locations, as they are more efficient and convenient by allowing drivers to pay and pass through without stopping.
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