The ministry of road, transport and highways revised National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, incorporating electronic toll collection through satellite-based systems. Following this, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will be incorporated as a method for toll collection in addition to existing systems like FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
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What is GPS-based toll collection?
At present, tolls are paid manually at toll booths which can lead to traffic congestion, even is FASTag is being used. The GPS-based toll system leverages satellites and in-car tracking systems to calculate tolls which will be based on the distance travelled. The system utilises satellite-based tracking and GPS technology to charge tolls as per the distance a vehicle covers. Vehicles equipped with On-Board Units (OBUs) or tracking devices will be charged based on the distance covered on highways.
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How does it differ from FASTag?
The satellite-based toll system relies on GNSS technology providing precise location tracking.
How will the satellite-based toll collection work?
Vehicles will be fitted with OBUs which will act as tracking devices for toll collection- tracking a vehicle’s coordinates on highways which are shared with satellites to calculate the distance travelled.
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{{/usCountry}}Vehicles will be fitted with OBUs which will act as tracking devices for toll collection- tracking a vehicle’s coordinates on highways which are shared with satellites to calculate the distance travelled.
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{{/usCountry}}The system will initially be rolled out on key highways and expressway and will be available through government portals, similar to FASTags.