Discussion about satellite-driven toll cost system emphasizes need for thorough consideration of security and privacy concerns
The government of India has announced a shift in its approach to toll collection on national highways and expressways, as the satellite-based user fee collection system remains on hold due to security and privacy concerns. Instead, a barrier-free tolling system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) combined with RFID-enabled FASTag technology is being actively rolled out.
According to recent reports, a high-level committee has recommended further deliberations on the satellite-based toll collection system due to privacy and security issues, delaying its rollout. In response, the government has decided to implement barrier-free toll collection through a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) electronic toll collection system. This innovative approach allows vehicles to pass toll plazas without stopping, enabling smoother and faster travel.
Pilot projects using ANPR and FASTag have already begun on about 8 national highway stretches to test this barrier-free tolling model. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to implement barrier-less tolling on all four-lane and wider expressways by 2029, using ANPR + FASTag systems, not satellite tracking.
The new system integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated incident detection to improve efficiency and enforcement. It addresses issues like failed scans and congestion seen in current FASTag usage. If toll payment via FASTag fails, violation notices are issued with penalties, ensuring enforcement in the barrier-free model.
The FASTag annual pass, which will be available for private passenger vehicle users, is set to be launched in a few days across India. The pass, priced at ₹3,000, is valid for one year from the date of purchase or 200 toll transactions, whichever comes first.
The government aims to make travel through toll plazas faster and more efficient with the new system. It also hopes to increase transparency in the toll collection system on national highways and national expressways. The satellite-based user fee collection system, on the other hand, is not operational on national highways at this time.
In summary, the satellite-based tolling approach is under review with no timeline for deployment, while the ANPR-FASTag barrier-free tolling system is actively being piloted and targeted for broader rollout by 2029 to make expressway travel seamless and efficient across India.
[1] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Press Release, [date], https://morth.gov.in/press-releases/ [2] NHAI, Frequently Asked Questions on Barrier-Less Tolling, [date], https://www.nhai.gov.in/ [3] PTI, Barrier-less tolling on highways: Govt to roll out MLFF-based ETC system, [date], https://www.business-standard.com/ [4] The Hindu, Gadkari: Satellite-based tolling system on hold due to security, privacy concerns, [date], https://www.thehindu.com/
Read also:
- UNEX EV, U Power's collaborator, inks LOI with Didi Mobility for the implementation of UOTTA battery-swapping vehicles in Mexico.
- Stratospheric Blockchain Network Launched by World Mobile and Protelindo
- Airbus is pushing the boundaries in the field of eco-friendly jet fuel production
- Two Aspects I Adore in the Lexus LFR, Alongside One Concern That Troubles Me
