The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the phased implementation of a GPS-based toll collection system, set to replace the existing FASTag system beginning May 1, 2025. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing congestion at toll plazas, and promoting greater transparency in toll fee computation.
Rationale Behind the Transition
While the FASTag system has played a pivotal role in streamlining toll payments and reducing waiting times, several persistent challenges remain. These include instances of misuse, prolonged queues at high-traffic toll booths, and occasional system errors. To address these concerns and align with global best practices in tolling technology, the Indian government is introducing a satellite-based tolling mechanism.
Under the new system, vehicles will be equipped with either factory-installed GPS devices or retrofitted units provided by authorized service vendors. These GPS modules will interface with a central monitoring system to track vehicular movement on national highways, enabling precise toll calculation based on distance traveled.
How the GPS-Based System Operates
The GPS-based tolling framework leverages satellite navigation and advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at highway entry and exit points. These systems monitor and record vehicular movement, allowing for dynamic toll computation based on the actual kilometers traversed.
Key features include:
- Real-time tracking of vehicles via GPS.
- Automatic toll deduction from linked bank accounts, wallets, or UPI platforms.
- Instant notifications sent to vehicle owners via SMS or a mobile application.
- Elimination of manual toll collection and physical barriers, thereby reducing delays and fuel wastage.
Initial Implementation – Phase I Corridors
The first phase of this rollout will focus on major national highways with high traffic density. The following routes are likely to be included in the initial implementation:
- Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
- Bengaluru–Chennai Highway
- Golden Quadrilateral Corridors
- Delhi–Kolkata National Highway
- Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways
Advantages of the New Tolling System
The GPS-based tolling system offers several benefits over the traditional FASTag model:
- Distance-Based Charges: Toll fees are calculated based on the actual distance traveled rather than fixed plaza rates.
- Seamless Travel: No need to stop at toll booths, ensuring smoother and faster commutes.
- Reduced Congestion: Automated systems reduce traffic buildup and eliminate toll plaza bottlenecks.
- Increased Transparency: Real-time toll deductions reduce human error and the scope for corruption.
- Environmental Benefits: Fewer stoppages lead to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
- Enhanced Safety: Improved traffic flow contributes to safer travel conditions on highways.
Data Privacy and Security
The government has emphasized that only essential location data will be collected and used strictly for tolling purposes. Furthermore, this data will not be shared with any third party without the express consent of vehicle owners.
