The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Tuesday (September 10) revised the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, incorporating electronic toll collection through satellite-based systems.
As per the recent notification, these amendments introduce the use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), including the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS) with On-Board Units (OBUs), as a method for toll collection. This is in addition to existing systems like FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
With these updates, vehicles equipped with GNSS OBUs will be able to automatically pay tolls based on the distance they travel. Rule 6 of the 2008 regulations has been altered to create exclusive lanes at toll plazas for vehicles with GNSS devices, eliminating the need for them to stop for manual toll payment.
The revised rules, which were published in the Official Gazette, are part of the government’s efforts to modernise toll collection on national highways through advanced technology.
The Ministry also clarified that vehicles not registered in India or those without functioning GNSS devices will continue to be charged standard toll rates. Additionally, a zero-toll corridor of up to 20 km will be introduced for vehicles using the GNSS system, beyond which tolls will be charged based on the distance travelled.
What is GPS-Based Toll Collection?
For now, tolls are paid manually at toll booths, which often lead to traffic congestion, even with the use of FASTag. The GPS-based toll system leverages satellites and in-car tracking systems to calculate tolls based on the distance travelled.
This system utilizes satellite-based tracking and GPS technology to charge tolls according to the distance a vehicle covers, thus eliminating the need for physical toll plazas and reducing wait times for drivers.
Vehicles equipped with On-Board Units (OBUs) or tracking devices will be charged based on the distance covered on highways. Digital image processing records highway coordinates, while CCTV cameras installed on gantries ensure compliance by verifying vehicle positions, enabling seamless toll collection.
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Source: Business Standard
