India's Highway Toll Collection Hits Rs.64,809.86 Crore in FY24

India's highway toll collection for the fiscal year 2023-24 has reached a staggering ?648.09 billion, marking a significant surge of 34.9% compared to the previous year and hitting a five-year high, according to data released by the government. The substantial increase in toll revenue is attributed to the expansion of tolled roads and a rise in their usage across the country. Over the past five years, toll collection has witnessed a steady growth trajectory, climbing from ?251.54 billion in 2018-19 to ?648.09 billion in FY24. A senior official from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways disclosed that the implementation of a satellite-based toll collection system is anticipated to further bolster revenue streams. We are currently conducting pilot tests on various stretches, and based on the feedback received, the system will be gradually rolled out nationwide, the official stated. The new satellite-based GPS toll collection system integrates the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to ensure accurate toll charges based on the distance traveled by vehicles. While ANPR offers a cost-effective solution and can be swiftly deployed, the GPS-based system necessitates a longer transition period, requiring all vehicles to be equipped with an onboard unit (OBU) or a tracking device for seamless toll deduction on national highways. As of November 2023, the total length of tolled roads in India stood at 45,428 kilometers, representing a remarkable increase from 25,996 kilometers after FY19, marking a notable surge of 74.7%. The adoption of advanced toll collection technologies not only aims to streamline revenue collection but also seeks to enhance the overall efficiency of the country's transportation infrastructure, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective travel experience for commuters nationwide.