Recent media reports claimed that a satellite-based tolling system would replace the nationwide Fastag from May 1, 2025. However, the government has clarified that this is not true. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (Morth) on Friday clarified that there is no decision to implement a satellite-based or GPS-based tolling system across India on that date. The toll plaza on national highways will continue to work with the existing ICD 2.5 protocol, which will enable real -time fastag verification. Users are advised to connect their fastag wallets to UPI or bank accounts, which are with an auto-Ricarge option for seamless toll payment.
“Some media sections have reported that a satellite-based tolling system will be launched from 1 May 2025 and replacing the current Fastag-based toll collection system. It is to clarify that it has been to be clarified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for tolling 1 time.
Instead, a new hybrid toling system is called AnPR-Fastag-based barrier-less tolling system The New Delhi will be tested on specific routes like the Mumbai Corridor, with no nationwide rollout plans yet. The nationwide rollout will depend on the success of the pilot project and the user response.
AnPR-Fastag-based barrier-less tolling system?
AnPR-Fastag-based barrier-less tolling system is a new toll collection technique that combines automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras with existing Fastag Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system. This hybrid system allows for seamless and barrier-free tolling, which eliminates the need to stop vehicles at the toll plaza. The goal is to reduce the congestion and improve traffic flows at the toll booth. Non-transport vehicles will receive e-notes, and the failure in paying can result in fastag suspension and punishment under the vigor system.
NHAI has already invited dialects to install the system at selected places. However, it is important to note that this is a limited test, and there is no nationwide rollout plan at this time.
key components:
1. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition): Cameras equipped with AI reading vehicle number plates in real time.
2. Fastag (RFID-based tag): An electronic toll collection system where a tag sticking to the windshield of the vehicle is scanned by RFID readers to automatically deduct the toll fee from the user’s prepaid account.
3. Barrier-cum system: Unlike traditional toll plaza with physical obstacles (boom gates), this system completely removes obstructions, enables free-flowing traffic, improves efficiency and reduces congestion.
how it works:
1. As soon as a vehicle approaches the toll zone, ANPR camera captures the number plate and the RFID readers detect the fastag on the vehicle.
2. The system matches the number plate with the fastag account to ensure authenticity.
3. If matches, the toll is cut automatically from the linked Fastag account. There is no need to stop or slow vehicles.
4. If the vehicle does not have any fastag or insufficient balance, the ANPR system logs the number plate. The toll can later be recovered through postpaid billing or penalty enforcement.
benefits:
- Travel time reduced due to seamless toll collection
- Better traffic flow and low congestion improvement
- Increased user experience with minimum stop
