Centre Clarifies No Satellite-Based Tolling System from May 1
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Synopsis
The government has denied media claims about launching a satellite-based tolling system from May 1, 2025, stating that no such decision has been made. Instead, an ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System will be implemented at select toll plazas, aimed at facilitating smoother vehicle passage.
Key Takeaways
- No satellite-based tolling system will commence on May 1, 2025.
- ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System will be introduced.
- This system will allow vehicles to pass through tolls without stopping.
- Electronic notices will be issued for any non-compliance.
- 855 toll plazas exist on India's national highways.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) The government has officially refuted claims circulating in the media regarding the rollout of a satellite-based tolling system scheduled for May 1.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, certain media outlets have alleged that a satellite-based tolling system would commence on May 1, 2025, superseding the current FASTag-based toll collection mechanism.
“This serves to clarify that no such determination has been made by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding a nationwide satellite-based tolling system effective May 1, 2025,” the ministry articulated.
To facilitate uninterrupted, barrier-free vehicle movement through toll plazas and minimize travel durations, an ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System will be introduced at select toll plazas, the ministry disclosed.
This innovative tolling solution will integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to detect vehicles by scanning their license plates, alongside the existing FASTag system, which employs Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deductions.
With this system, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, allowing them to pass through toll plazas without stopping.
In cases of non-compliance, electronic notices will be issued to offenders, and failure to comply could lead to the suspension of their FASTag along with other penalties related to VAHAN, as stated by the ministry.
The NHAI has called for bids to establish the ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System at designated toll plazas. A future decision regarding its nationwide implementation will depend on its performance, efficiency, and user feedback.
India's national highway network includes approximately 855 plazas, of which 675 are financed by the government, while around 180 are operated by private entities.
Earlier this month, the NHAI increased toll rates for drivers on highways and expressways across the nation by an average of 4 to 5 percent as part of its annual inflation adjustment.
This adjustment aligns toll rates with inflation based on the wholesale price index, and the additional revenue will be directed towards highway maintenance and expansion efforts.
