- By Mayukh Debnath
- Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:25 PM (IST)
- Source:ANI
GPS Toll Collection: The Centre on Wednesday laid out details before the Parliament about a pilot study that it conducted for the collection of toll tax with the help of satellite-based navigation systems. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the concept was implemented on a pilot basis on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of National Highway-275, and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 (the old NH-71A).
The minister informed the Upper House that it has been decided by the Centre to initially implement a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on select sections of national highways on a pilot basis besides the existing FASTag facility. GNSS is the umbrella term for satellite-based navigation systems like the GPS and the GLONASS.
Gadkari has previously said that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to integrate the GNSS-based ETC system with the FASTag ecosystem, a move whose initial phase will use a hybrid model wherein both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously.
He also informed the Parliament that the project proposes dedicated lanes for vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. As GNSS-based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes, news agency ANI noted in a report.
GPS-based Toll Collection Benefits
- GNSS-based toll collection is a barrier-free method that is expected to allow commuters to be charged on the basis of the distance they have travelled on a particular highway stretch.
- The implementation of GNSS-based electronic toll collection in India is expected to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles on national highways. It is also envisaged to provide many benefits to highway users, including barrier-less, free-flow tolling, which will be distance-based.
- GNSS-based toll collection is also expected to plug leakages and check toll evaders.
(With inputs from ANI)