Upcoming Tolls to Implement GNSS Technology Ensuring Barrier-Free Travel

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the advantages of using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection during an international workshop in New Delhi. He emphasized that GNSS technology would enhance navigation and positioning, modernizing India's toll collection process. The technology aims to facilitate seamless travel and reduce road congestion, aligning with the government's ongoing efforts to simplify citizens' lives, increase transparency, and deliver faster services.

The GNSS-based electronic toll collection system will charge road users based on the distance traveled on tolled highways. Initially, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to integrate this system within the existing FASTag ecosystem through a hybrid model. This model will operate both RFID-based and GNSS-based electronic toll collection systems simultaneously. Dedicated GNSS lanes will be introduced at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass freely. As the GNSS-based system becomes more prevalent, all toll lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.

Implementing GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection is expected to enhance vehicle movement along National Highways, offering numerous benefits. These include barrier-free, free-flow tolling and distance-based tolling for a smoother riding experience. Moreover, this system will help prevent revenue leakage and curb toll evasion, resulting in a more efficient nationwide toll collection process.