Satellite-based toll collection to increase revenue by ₹10,000 crore: Nitin Gadkari

Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari expects Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based electronic toll collection to plug theft and leakages, thereby increasing toll revenue by ₹10,000 crore.

Around 75% of toll revenue in India comes from trucks and commercial vehicles while only 25% comes from cars, Gadkari says at a workshop on GNSS-based toll collection. Two-wheelers in India are exempt from toll tax.

GNSS-based tolling is a barrier-free method of electronic toll collection wherein the road users are charged on the distance they have travelled on the tolled highway stretch.

The GNSS-based toll collection system will be implemented for commercial vehicles initially, the Union minister says. If 99% of loopholes are plugged, it will be a big achievement, he says.

“We need to put in place a transparent, qualitative and leak-proof system of toll collection in India that increases government revenue and ensures minimal inconvenience to the public,” Gadkari adds.

To provide a seamless and barrier-free tolling experience on National Highways, Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by NHAI organised a day-long international workshop in New Delhi on ‘Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection in India’.

The international workshop provided a platform to both industry and global experts to deliberate various aspects related to smooth implementation of the free-flow tolling system based on GNSS technology in India.

“GNSS technology enhances navigation and positioning, playing a crucial role in modernizing toll collection systems, ensuring seamless travel, and reducing congestion on our roads. We are continuously working towards easing citizens' lives, making governance more transparent, and providing faster services,” says Gadkari.

NHAI plans to implement the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially using a hybrid model where both RFID-based electronic toll collection and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously.

Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. As GNSS based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.

Implementation of GNSS based Electronic Toll Collection in India will facilitate smooth movement of vehicles along the National Highways and is envisaged to provide many benefits to highway users such as barrier less free-flow tolling leading to hassle-free riding experience and distance-based tolling. The GNSS based Electronic Toll Collection will also help to plug leakages and check toll evaders resulting in more efficient toll collection system across the country.

“Over the past decade, road network has expanded manifolds and National Highways carries over 70% of country's freight along with the passenger traffic. Implementing GNSS will immensely contribute not only towards growth of our economy but will also make barrierless tolling a reality for our citizens,” says Santosh Kumar Yadav, chairman of NHAI.