Modi Government Unveils Satellite-Based, Barrier-Free Toll Collection System
Modi government Unveils Satellite-Based, Barrier-Free Toll Collection System
The narendra modi administration is preparing to introduce a new method for toll collection on highways and expressways using a satellite-based and barrier-free system, with new regulations officially notified for the first time.
According to the new rules, tolls can be collected through a 'Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit,' an Automatic Number Plate Recognition Device, FASTag, or a combination of these. The regulations stipulate that the device used must be non-transferable, securely installed in the vehicle, and linked to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for user fee collection. The notification, released on september 10, details these provisions. It also specifies that a dedicated lane may be designated for vehicles equipped with a GNSS On-Board Unit, and if a vehicle enters this lane without a valid GNSS unit, it will incur a fee twice the standard user fee at the plaza.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned earlier this year that the new satellite-based toll system aims to modernize toll collection, ensuring smoother travel and reduced road congestion through improved navigation and positioning technologies.
The implementation of GNSS will facilitate barrier-free tolling with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), where road users are charged based on the distance traveled on tolled sections. Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles with GNSS-based ETC to pass through without stopping. Over time, all lanes are expected to transition to GNSS lanes. This system will also address toll evasion and improve efficiency in toll collection nationwide.
The new rules also state that drivers, owners, or those in charge of vehicles (excluding National Permit vehicles) traveling the same section of national highways, bridges, bypasses, or tunnels will incur no user fee for the first 20 kilometers in each direction per day under the GNSS-based system. For distances exceeding 20 kilometers, fees will be applied based on the actual distance traveled.
The narendra modi administration is preparing to introduce a new method for toll collection on highways and expressways using a satellite-based and barrier-free system, with new regulations officially notified for the first time.
According to the new rules, tolls can be collected through a 'Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit,' an Automatic Number Plate Recognition Device, FASTag, or a combination of these. The regulations stipulate that the device used must be non-transferable, securely installed in the vehicle, and linked to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for user fee collection. The notification, released on september 10, details these provisions. It also specifies that a dedicated lane may be designated for vehicles equipped with a GNSS On-Board Unit, and if a vehicle enters this lane without a valid GNSS unit, it will incur a fee twice the standard user fee at the plaza.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned earlier this year that the new satellite-based toll system aims to modernize toll collection, ensuring smoother travel and reduced road congestion through improved navigation and positioning technologies.
The implementation of GNSS will facilitate barrier-free tolling with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), where road users are charged based on the distance traveled on tolled sections. Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles with GNSS-based ETC to pass through without stopping. Over time, all lanes are expected to transition to GNSS lanes. This system will also address toll evasion and improve efficiency in toll collection nationwide.
The new rules also state that drivers, owners, or those in charge of vehicles (excluding National Permit vehicles) traveling the same section of national highways, bridges, bypasses, or tunnels will incur no user fee for the first 20 kilometers in each direction per day under the GNSS-based system. For distances exceeding 20 kilometers, fees will be applied based on the actual distance traveled.