The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited global expressions of interest (EOI) to implement a satellite-based electronic toll collection system. This system, based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), aims to eliminate physical toll booths, ensuring seamless and barrier-free tolling on national highways.

Initially, a hybrid model combining RFID-based FASTag and GNSS-based ETC will be used, with dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas. This approach will facilitate the transition from the current system to the advanced GNSS technology. Vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC will pass through toll plazas without stopping, promoting smoother traffic flow and reducing congestion.

The new system promises efficient toll collection, reducing leakages and curbing evasion, while offering distance-based tolling, where users pay only for the distance travelled. NHAI aims to identify experienced companies capable of delivering robust, scalable toll charger software to support the GNSS-based system. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of toll operations across India.