Balancing tech progress with privacy, India shelves nationwide satellite tolling for now, opting for ANPR‑FASTag pilots on key corridors while experts address data and security concerns.
A high-level government-appointed committee has recommended further scrutiny of India’s proposed satellite-based highway toll collection system, citing concerns over security, privacy, and operational control.
The satellite approach is not currently operational on any National Highways, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Instead, the government will pilot corridor-based barrier-free free-flow tolling using the ANPR‑FASTag System (AFS).
The apex and empowered committees, comprising industry and academic experts, found potential vulnerabilities in implementing global positioning satellite (GPS) tolling widely, prompting further deliberations before rollout.
In the interim, AFS will be deployed on selected high‑traffic stretches to enable multi‑lane free flow (MLFF) tolling, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping or slowing down.
According to reports, several toll plazas have been earmarked for the pilot phase based on traffic density, lane configuration and congestion levels. Key locations include Choryasi (NH‑8, Bharuch–Surat), Gharaunda (NH‑44, Panipat–Jalandhar), Nemili (NH‑48, Walajapet–Poonamallee), and sites along the Dwarka Expressway and Delhi–Jaipur corridor. Some requests for proposal (RFPs) have been issued or bids invited; others remain under evaluation.
Under the new system, automatic number‑plate recognition cameras paired with FASTag RFID (radio frequency identification) readers will record vehicle details and deduct tolls seamlessly.
Toll defaulters will receive e-notices in compliance with the National Highways Fee Rules. A grievance redressal mechanism using an NIC e-notice portal, National Highways Helpline 1033, FASTag issuer banks and the RajmargYatra app will be available.
