India to Replace Toll Plazas with GPS-Based Systems to Ease Traffic Congestion

New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a significant shift in the country’s toll collection system. In a bid to streamline traffic flow and enhance efficiency, traditional toll plazas are set to be replaced by GPS-based toll collection systems on national highways. This transition, slated to commence as early as April, marks a pivotal step towards modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.

Under this new system, a consultant has been appointed to oversee the implementation of GPS-based toll collection. This technology, operating alongside existing FASTags, aims to provide motorists with a seamless journey while accurately charging them based on the distance travelled.

Gadkari revealed that the government’s move towards adopting advanced technologies, including GPS-based systems, is aimed at eliminating toll plazas and ushering in a more convenient and efficient toll collection process. With toll revenues projected to skyrocket from ₹40,000 crore to ₹1.40 lakh crore within the next few years, the necessity for such innovations becomes increasingly apparent.

The new system leverages Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed on highways. These cameras will seamlessly track your vehicle’s movement, registering entry and exit points on tolled segments. Based on this data, the system calculates the distance travelled and automatically deducts the corresponding toll fee from your linked account.

Since the mandatory introduction of FASTags for toll payments on highways in 2021, there has been a noticeable reduction in waiting times at toll plazas. However, challenges persist, particularly in densely populated areas during peak hours.