India to Launch Satellite-Based GNSS Toll System This Month, Says Gadkari

In a major technological upgrade to India's highway infrastructure, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that the much-anticipated satellite-based GNSS toll collection system will be launched by the end of this month.

Speaking at a recent public gathering in Nagpur, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, confirmed,

"The Ministry of Road & Transport (MoRTH) will introduce the new toll collection system in the next 15 days."

From Fastag to GNSS: A Shift Towards Seamless Travel

Fastag’s Limitations and the Need for Change

While the Fastag system, introduced to reduce congestion at toll plazas, significantly cut down waiting times, it still faces issues like technical glitches, toll evasion, and disputes over fixed charges for varying distances. Several controversies around system inefficiencies had already prompted the need for a more precise tolling mechanism.

GNSS – A More Accurate and Fair System

The new system, officially known as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), aims to replace Fastag gradually with a GPS-based toll collection model. Unlike Fastag, which depends on RFID scanners at toll booths, GNSS allows completely contactless tolling, eliminating the need to stop altogether.

How Does GNSS Toll Collection Work?

Powered by GPS and GAGAN for Accuracy

The GNSS tolling system leverages satellite-based GPS technology, enhanced by GAGAN (GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation), to accurately track a vehicle’s movement.

Instead of fixed toll fees, users will be charged based on the actual distance traveled on national highways.

Seamless Payments Through Linked Wallets

Toll charges will be automatically deducted from a linked digital wallet or bank account, offering a smoother and more transparent experience for travelers.

Rollout Plan and Pilot Projects Underway

GNSS to Initially Co-Exist with Fastag

In the early phase, the GNSS tolling system will operate alongside Fastag, with specific toll lanes modified to support satellite-based tolling. Over time, the government aims to convert entire toll plazas into GNSS-enabled infrastructures.

Current Pilot Corridors

Pilot trials are already in progress on:

• Bengaluru–Mysore Expressway

• Panipat–Hisar National Highway

These stretches are currently testing GNSS functionality in real-world conditions.

Why GNSS Could Be a Game-Changer

• No Toll Booth Queues: Vehicles won’t need to stop at toll plazas, drastically improving traffic flow.

• Distance-Based Charges: Fairer tolling system as users pay only for the distance they travel.

• Reduced Toll Evasion: Real-time tracking makes it harder to bypass toll charges.

• Better Government Oversight: Transparency in collection and reduced revenue leakage.

• Environmentally Friendly: Reduced idling time lowers fuel usage and emissions.

Conclusion: India’s Highway Travel Enters the Satellite Era

The upcoming rollout of GNSS toll collection marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards smart mobility and digital infrastructure. With Minister Nitin Gadkari confirming its implementation in the coming weeks, this system promises a more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly tolling experience.

By enabling distance-based pricing, eliminating manual toll stops, and leveraging GPS technology and satellite navigation, GNSS represents a modern, intelligent approach to highway tolling. While the system will initially run parallel to Fastag, its nationwide adoption could redefine how Indians experience long-distance road travel—making it faster, smarter, and more transparent than ever before.