Ease Of Toll Tax Payment Through GNSS On National Highways

Pune, 25th July 2024: The central government is set to enhance the ease of toll tax payment on national highways by introducing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system. This system will be implemented alongside the existing Fastag system on selected sections of national highways. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced this initiative in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the GNSS-based system aims to streamline toll payments and reduce delays.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari detailed the new toll collection system, explaining that it will initially function as an additional facility to Fastag. This pilot project will be tested on selected sections of national highways, benefiting travelers by allowing seamless toll payments without stopping at toll plazas. Gadkari mentioned that this new technology will enhance the efficiency and convenience of toll collection on national highways and expressways.

The GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system has already been tested on two highways: NH-275 between Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka and NH-709 (formerly NH-71A) between Panipat and Hisar in Haryana. These pilot projects have demonstrated the potential of GNSS technology to improve toll collection processes.

In a bid to gather extensive industrial consultation, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways held an international workshop on GNSS on June 25, 2024, with stakeholders from various sectors. Additionally, a global Expression of Interest (EOI) was invited on June 7, 2024, with a submission deadline of July 22, 2024, to explore further implementation of this technology.

Currently, toll tax is primarily collected through Fastag, which can sometimes lead to delays due to malfunctions or low balances. The GNSS-based system aims to eliminate such issues by allowing vehicles to pay tolls while moving at a constant speed, with charges calculated based on the distance traveled. This new system promises to enhance the overall travel experience on national highways, making toll payments more efficient and hassle-free.