India set to roll out GPS-based toll collection system; Know more

Digital Desk: India is preparing for a revolutionary shift aimed at putting an end to the hassle of toll plazas and ensuring more comfortable travel on highways. Planning to replace conventional toll plazas with cutting-edge GPS-based toll collection systems across the nation was previously announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

This is a substantial change in the way drivers pay for using the roadway, with implementation set to begin as early as April of this year. The implementation of GPS-based toll systems on national highways will be led by a consultant, according to Gadkari.

Along with the current FASTags, this new method will go through a pilot program with the goal of reducing traffic jams and appropriately charging drivers according to the distance they travel on highways. 

In the following two to three years, Gadkari projected that toll revenue will increase from Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 1.40 lakh crore.

Even though FASTags cut the average waiting time to just 47 seconds, the switch to GPS-based toll collection promises even more convenience.

How does this innovative system operate? 

Tolls will be collected based on the exact distance driven by vehicles using automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras positioned along roadways. The GPS-based system computes charges dynamically, ensuring drivers are treated fairly regardless of the distance traveled, in contrast to the present RFID-based FASTags, which function at fixed toll booths.

Drivers may forget about having cash on them, standing in line, and having enough FASTag balances with this creative solution. Errors and the possibility of toll evasion will be reduced since toll fees are automatically taken out of linked accounts.

The switch to GPS-based toll collection will benefit highway travelers throughout India by increasing efficiency and convenience, even though certain delays can still occur during peak hours in heavily crowded locations.