• Source:JND
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GPS-Based Tolling News: Several media reports have been claiming that starting from May 1, the FASTag system would be discontinued and replaced by a satellite-based toll collection system. After this news circulated on social media, many people—especially those who travel daily on highways or expressways—were left with several questions. 

However, the uncertainty over this issue has been finally addressed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

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The MoRTH has labelled these reports as false and misleading. In its official statement, the ministry clarified that no decision has been taken to replace the FASTag system across the country with a satellite tolling system from May 1. It emphasised that such claims are misleading. This means that the FASTag system will continue to remain in operation.

In fact, the government is currently exploring the possibility of introducing a new technology in the future to reduce the time spent at toll booths. The government is working on testing a new system called the ANPR-FASTag based barrier-less tolling system. 

ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition—a technology that can identify a vehicle by reading its number plate. This system will be integrated with the current FASTag setup. Once implemented, vehicles will not need to stop at toll plazas anymore.

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Notably, the government has, for now, invited tenders to implement this system at a few selected toll plazas. Based on its successful operation and public feedback, a decision will be made on whether to roll it out nationwide. It is also believed that if vehicle owners do not cooperate with this system or create discrepancies in toll payments, they may receive an e-notice, and their FASTag could potentially be blocked.