- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Toll Collection System: Road journeys are set to become seamless for commuters starting May 1 with the launch of a new GPS-based toll collection system. The new system will replace the existing FASTag method, enhancing efficiency, reducing congestion, and ensuring more accurate toll charges for people. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) was expected to come into effect from April 1, however, there was a delay. It is now likely to be implemented from May 1, 2025.
Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said, "In the next 15 days we are coming with a toll policy and you will be satisfied with our toll policy (National Highways). We are starting a satellite toll system so that you don't have to stop at toll plazas..."
About GNSS And How It Works
The upcoming GPS-based toll collection system employs Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to monitor vehicles and calculate toll fees based on the actual distance traveled on national highways. This approach ensures that drivers pay only for the distance they cover, leading to fairness and transparency.
Vehicles will be outfitted with On-Board Units (OBUs) that track their movements on roadways using GNSS technology. Based on the distance driven, the system will determine the toll as a car drives, after which the appropriate payment is automatically paid out of the driver's bank account or connected digital wallet. This makes it possible to travel smoothly and seamlessly without the need for physical toll booths.
While the FASTag system is faster than the traditional cash collection method, it requires vehicles to stop at the toll booth. Many times this leads to long queues, especially during peak hours. The new system not only eliminates the need to establish physical toll booths, it is also likely to provide flexible payment options to the users.