Satellite-Based Toll System: You may have recently read a news that said that the government is preparing to implement a satellite-based toll system across the country from May 1. However, the government clarified this news on Friday and said that no decision has been taken on this matter yet.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has confirmed that no such decision has been taken. Currently, toll collection is being done through FASTag, which has almost eliminated the hassle of cash payment.
The ministry has said that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based barrier-free tolling system will be deployed at selected toll plazas to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement of vehicles and reduce travel time, PTI reported.
The system will combine ANPR technology, which identifies vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing FASTag system, which uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) for toll collection.
Under this system, vehicles will be identified without stopping at the toll plaza, toll fee will be charged based on their identification using high-performance ANPR cameras and Fastag reader.
In case of non-compliance, violators will receive an e-notice, and if not paid, the Fastag may be suspended, and an additional fine may be imposed on the vehicle.
Toll Collections Surge on India’s Busiest Highways
India’s busiest highways have seen significant toll collections in the last five years, with 10 toll plazas leading the country in collecting user fees. Located on some of India’s most important road corridors, including the Grand Trunk Road, Delhi-Mumbai Highway and East Coast Highway, these major toll points have collectively collected over ₹13,988 crore from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
According to official data presented in the Lok Sabha on March 20 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Bharthana toll plaza in Gujarat tops the list. Located on the Vadodara-Bharuch section of National Highway 48 (NH-48), Bharthana collected an astonishing ₹2,043.81 crore in five years, with a record collection of ₹472.65 crore in the year 2023-24 alone.
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