Highway toll collection has been a significant topic since the introduction of Fastags in 2014. Despite the nationwide implementation of Fastags five years later, they did not achieve the desired outcomes anticipated by the Government of India. To address these shortcomings, the Ministry of Road and Transport (MoRTH) has announced a new, more efficient toll collection method: the GPS-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Recently, the government released updated regulations for this advanced toll system.
In July, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed that a pilot study for the GNSS-based toll collection system is underway. This trial is being conducted on two key sections of national highways: the Bengaluru-Mysore stretch of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar stretch of NH-709 in Haryana. The purpose of these pilot studies is to test the functionality and effectiveness of the GNSS system before a wider rollout.
The GNSS toll system utilizes satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to manage toll collections on highways and expressways. This system is not only designed to collect tolls but also to enhance vehicle tracking for improved security. Vehicles will be allowed to travel up to 20 kilometers on national highways, permanent bridges, bypasses, and tunnels without incurring any toll charges. However, vehicles with a National Permit will not be covered under this policy.
Under the revised regulations, a "zero user fee" policy will apply for trips up to 20 kilometers on toll roads. This policy benefits drivers and vehicle owners by providing toll-free travel within this initial distance. Beyond this threshold, motorists will be charged based on the distance traveled, ensuring a pay-as-you-go system that accurately reflects the distance covered. This method aims to provide a more equitable tolling system.
The deployment of the GNSS system will involve several complex technologies and processes. Vehicles must be equipped with an On-Board Unit (OBU), a tracking device essential for the toll collection system. The OBU will monitor the vehicle's coordinates and send information about the route and distance traveled. Each OBU will be specific to one vehicle and cannot be transferred to another.
Highway cameras equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and existing FASTags will assist in verification processes. GNSS will also require designated lanes for vehicles with functional OBUs to ensure efficient operation. Vehicles without a working OBU in these dedicated lanes will face a doubled toll fee.
The current FASTag system relies on physical toll booths for collecting fees. In contrast, the GNSS technology introduces virtual toll booths along highways, leveraging satellite technology to track vehicle location and distance. This shift eliminates the need for physical stops, streamlining the toll collection process.
The OBU device used in the GNSS system will provide critical information such as vehicle registration, type, and user bank details, facilitating seamless toll collection. The GNSS system is designed to integrate with the existing FASTag infrastructure, allowing for an effortless transition between the two systems.
The government aims to transform toll collection with the GNSS system, significantly reducing the average waiting time at toll booths from 714 seconds to just 47 seconds per user. This improvement is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the flow of vehicles on highways. By streamlining the toll collection process, the GNSS system is poised to increase overall driving efficiency and convenience for users.
Conclusion
The introduction of the GPS-based GNSS toll system marks a significant advancement in highway toll collection technology. By leveraging satellite technology and integrating with existing systems like FASTag, the GNSS system aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly tolling experience. As the pilot studies progress and the system moves towards broader implementation, the government anticipates considerable improvements in toll collection efficiency and overall traffic management.