Satellite-based NH toll collection notified; FASTag to continue

In a move expected to end long lines at highway toll stations, the Union government has put in place an electronic toll collection mechanism through satellite-based systems.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways onTuesday notified amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

FASTag to continue

This allows the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), based on the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and On-Board Units (OBUs) for toll collection. These will coexist alongside the current systems of FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition.

Vehicles equipped with GNSS OBUs will be able to automatically pay tolls based on the distance they travel. An exclusive lane would be created at toll plazas for vehicles with GNSS devices. The new toll system relies on GNSS technology, which is expected to provide precise location tracking.

Tolling made easy

This will facilitate smooth movement of vehicles along the National Highways and provide benefits to highway users such as barrier-less free-flow tolling and distance-based tolling where users will pay only for the stretch they have travelled. This will result in more efficient toll collection as it helps to plug leakages and check toll evaders.

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