Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced a significant shift in India’s toll collection methodology, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency on national highways. The government plans to implement a satellite-based toll collection system, which will deduct charges directly from commuters’ bank accounts based on the exact distance traveled. This initiative seeks to replace the traditional toll plaza model, thereby reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption.
Gadkari highlighted that the current toll system is being phased out in favor of this advanced technology. He stated, “We are putting an end to the present toll system. Now there will be a satellite-based toll collection system. Money will be deducted from your bank account. You will be charged based on the total distance you have traveled. Time will be saved and fuel will be saved.”
In addition to the satellite-based system, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to further streamline toll operations. Plans are underway to install audit cameras equipped with AI capabilities at high-value toll plazas. These cameras will independently monitor vehicle count and classification, ensuring accurate toll collection and minimizing discrepancies.
This move comes in response to incidents of toll collection fraud. For instance, at the Atraila Shiv Gulam fee plaza in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur, unauthorized handheld devices were used to process cash transactions, bypassing the official toll management system. Learning from such events, NHAI aims to strengthen the cash collection process from invalid or non-FASTag vehicles and is considering additional surveillance measures to monitor vehicle counts and reconcile them with toll receipts.
The government is also piloting a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system on select national highways. This barrier-less system will complement the existing FASTag infrastructure, allowing for seamless toll transactions without the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths. Under this system, user fees will be collected exclusively through FASTag, and e-notices will be issued to invalid or non-FASTag vehicles, effectively eliminating cash transactions at toll plazas.
Gadkari emphasized the importance of these technological advancements in improving the efficiency of India’s highway infrastructure. He noted that by reducing travel times and fuel consumption, these initiatives will not only benefit commuters but also contribute to environmental conservation. For example, the travel time between Mumbai and Pune has been reduced from nine hours to two hours, leading to significant fuel savings.
The government is committed to enhancing the country’s road network and aims to match the standards of the United States by 2024. As part of this vision, substantial investments are being made in highway construction and modernization projects. The implementation of advanced toll collection systems is a crucial component of this broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and provide a seamless travel experience for all road users.
