NHAI shifts to GPS toll collection, bids adieu to FASTag

In the coming months, it was announced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that GPS-based toll collection would be launched on various routes across the country. According to Anurag Jain, the secretary of the Roads Ministry, he mentioned that the forthcoming system would undergo a trial phase on selected highway stretches before its nationwide deployment. The Global Positioning System (GPS) tolling, renowned for its speed and efficiency, was intended to replace the existing FASTag system. FASTag, an electronic toll collection system in India operated by the NHAI, utilized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it or directly to the toll owner. A thorough study was being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the GPS toll system, accompanied by the development of software and the necessary technology for toll collection, including the implementation of geo-fencing on targeted highways. The main objective of this innovative system was to alleviate congestion at toll booths by completely phasing out physical toll booths nationwide in the future. While some vehicle users expressed appreciation for the idea of toll collection based on the exact distance travelled, others voiced privacy concerns, citing that the system tracked the precise location of vehicles. A senior official from NHAI mentioned, Five stretches have been identified for the pilot introduction of GPS-based toll collection. The software is currently in the developmental phase, and the pilot is expected to commence soon. Depending on the response to this new technology and the reception by road users, there are plans to implement it gradually on other stretches.