It is said that the Indian government will replace the existing FASTag system with satellite-based toll collection and make real-time toll payments easier, more accurate, and hassle-free for drivers across the country. The new method is called Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
What is the current operation of the toll tax in India?
If one has ever been on national highways/external highways, then one will know about toll plazas. These booths are positioned every 60 kilometers so that drivers know quite well they have to pay for the road usage.
Till now, FASTag, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, has been made mandatory for all vehicles. The FASTag gets scanned via a camera installed at the toll plaza as the car passes through, and the toll amount is deducted from the account linked to it.
FASTag gave a lessening of traffic jams and hassle-free payments. But now, the big government is taking it up a notch with GNSS-based tolling.
What is the satellite-based toll tax system?
The GNSS tolling system will dispense with physical toll booths. It uses satellite technology to monitor the vehicles and levy the toll taxes based on the actual distance traveled. The working is described below.
- In-car tracking system: A vehicle will have an On-Board Unit (OBU), a tiny tracking device that communicates directly with satellites.
- Distance Calculation in Real-Time: The satellite will observe the vehicle movement and calculate the correct distance travelled by the vehicle on the tolled highways.
- Automatic Toll Deduction: The fee will automatically be deducted from the driver’s linked bank account for the distance driven, thereby obviating the need to stop at toll plazas for clearance.
Key Benefits of GNSS Tolling System
- No More Toll Plazas: Long Qs at toll booths will become extinct–the toll payments will be done on the go.
- Just Price: You will only pay for the distance covered; toll charges will hence be accurate and transparent.
- Zero Toll Corridor: The first 20Kms will remain toll-free under this, thus benefiting short-distance commuters in the reduction of costs.
- Reduction of Traffic Jams: The free way with no physical toll stops will ensure a smooth traffic flow.
How does the New Toll System Track the Vehicles?
A combination of satellite tracking and highway cameras supports the working of GNSS-based tolls.
- On-Board Unit (OBU): This device, affixed in every vehicle, transmits real-time location data to satellites.
- The GPS and GNSS System: The system will use GPS signals to accurately calculate the distance covered by the vehicle.
- Highway Cameras: AI cameras will be taking pictures of the vehicles and checking if the toll is rightly paid.
Once operational, the toll tax shall be deducted automatically from the driver’s bank account via Aadhaar or any means of payment.