India’s tolling system has evolved from manual to electronic toll collection, FASTag, with some challenges like technical issues and long queues. The government plans to transition to advanced GNSS-based tolling technology to improve efficiency.
FASTag accounts for 98.5% of all toll transactions as of March 2024, despite the need for modern infrastructure and customer resolution. The Indian government has been promoting the use of the National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag) system, which accounts for 98.5% of all toll transactions.
The implementation of FASTag has led to significant benefits, including reduced wait times, fuel savings, and increased transparency in toll collection. In December 2024, toll collections through FASTag amounted to approximately Rs 66.42 billion, a 63% CAGR between 2017-18 and 2023-24.
However, the government still faces challenges such as long queues during peak hours and technical issues like unauthorised deductions and double debits. To address these issues, the government is exploring automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology at select locations, aiming to improve transparency, reduce errors, and minimize disputes over toll charges.
Another initiative is exploring a satellite-based tolling system, which eliminates the need for physical toll booths and charges users based on the exact distance traveled on a highway. A pilot project for GNSS-based toll collection has been conducted in Karnataka and Haryana, and the government plans to use existing tolling infrastructure for a barrier-free ETC system at select locations.
The implementation of GPS-based toll collection systems is a complex task with challenges, including privacy concerns, transparency disputes, technical issues, and additional costs. GNSS technology has gained global experience, with Germany pioneering the initiative in Europe.
However, the Indian road landscape presents unique operational challenges, with GNSS accounting for 74% of tolled roads in the European Union and 146,195 km of the national highway network. Barrier-free tolling solutions like ANPR and GNSS have.
Demonstrated success globally, but significant groundwork remains before the government can achieve seamless tolling. Addressing these challenges is crucial for a smooth transition to the new system.
India is advancing its toll collection system by transitioning from the current FASTag method to a satellite-based system utilizing the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This shift aims to enhance efficiency and user experience on national highways.
Current System: FASTag
FASTag employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, allowing vehicles to make toll payments directly while in motion. A FASTag is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, enabling automatic deduction from a linked prepaid account as the vehicle passes through toll plazas. While this system has reduced manual toll collection and congestion, it charges a fixed fee at each toll plaza, regardless of the distance traveled.
Proposed System: GNSS-Based Tolling
The GNSS-based toll collection system leverages satellite technology to track vehicles and calculate toll charges based on the exact distance traveled on toll roads. Vehicles equipped with an onboard unit (OBU) or tracking device will have.
their movements monitored via GNSS, facilitating precise toll calculations. Payments will be automatically deducted from a digital wallet linked to the OBU, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for physical toll plazas.
Pilot Implementation and Future Plans
The government has initiated pilot projects on select national highway sections to test the GNSS-based system’s efficacy. Initially, this system will operate alongside the existing FASTag framework in a hybrid model, with dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas. Eventually, the plan is to fully transition to the GNSS-based system, offering a more seamless and efficient tolling experience for road users.
This transition reflects India’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to improve infrastructure and services, aiming for a more efficient and user-friendly toll collection system.
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