The government plans to implement a GPS-based toll collection system on national highways to replace toll plazas, announced Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The Indian government is set to revolutionize the way tolls are collected on national highways by introducing a GPS-based system, as announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This innovative approach, which is a departure from traditional toll plazas, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure that motorists are charged precisely for the distance they travel on the highways. Following the success of pilot projects, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing to issue a tender for the implementation of this advanced technology.
At a recent event, Gadkari highlighted the successful trials of the GPS-based toll systems, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in replacing conventional toll plazas. The government’s initiative aims to streamline the toll collection process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for travellers.
Additionally, the ministry has conducted pilot projects involving automatic number plate recognition systems, which facilitate automated toll collection without the need for vehicles to stop. This technology has significantly reduced the average waiting time at toll plazas. For instance, the introduction of FASTags during the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 has cut down the average waiting time from 8 minutes to a mere 47 seconds.
Despite these improvements, there are still instances of delays at toll plazas, particularly in densely populated areas and near cities during peak hours. To address this, the government has engaged a consultant to oversee the implementation of the GPS-based toll collection system on national highways. This move marks a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of highway travel and reducing congestion at toll points.
