India is set to transition from the FASTag system to a new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for toll collection on national highways. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced new regulations that will allow private vehicle owners to drive up to 20 km on national highways without incurring any toll charges.
Key Points of the New GNSS System:
Zero Toll for Initial Distance:
Vehicles equipped with GNSS will benefit from a toll-free distance of up to 20 km per day on national highways. Charges will only apply if the distance exceeds this threshold.
Revised Toll Collection Rules:
The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024, will introduce exclusive lanes at toll plazas for GNSS-enabled vehicles, eliminating the need for manual toll payment.
GNSS Technology Overview:
GNSS will replace FASTags and eliminate the need for physical toll plazas. Vehicles will transmit location and speed data, allowing tolls to be calculated based on distance traveled and speed. This data will be collected through digital processing and CCTV verification.
Availability and Installation:
On-Board Units (OBUs) or tracking devices will be available via government portals and will need to be installed on vehicles. Some manufacturers may offer vehicles with pre-installed OBUs.
Impact on FASTag Users:
Vehicles without GNSS devices or those not registered in India will continue to pay standard toll rates. The transition to GNSS aims to streamline toll collection and improve efficiency.
Challenges and Considerations:
Infrastructure Upgrades:
Significant infrastructure improvements will be required to implement the GNSS system across India’s extensive road network, which spans about 6.67 million km.
Potential Cost Implications:
The replacement of FASTag infrastructure with GNSS may lead to higher toll costs for drivers.
Road Safety Concerns:
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need to address road safety issues, citing nearly 53 accidents and 18 deaths every hour in India. A recent report emphasized high fatality rates among two-wheeler riders and pedestrians and noted significant disparities in road safety across states.
Comparison with Global Standards:
The report compared India’s road safety performance with developed countries, revealing a sharp increase in road fatality rates compared to countries like Sweden.
The GNSS-based toll system represents a significant shift in India’s approach to road management and toll collection, with the potential to improve efficiency but also requiring careful implementation and infrastructure upgrades to address associated challenges.
Leave a Reply