Satellite Tolling to Go Live Nationwide by 2026

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

Satellite-based toll collection will be rolled out across India by the end of 2026, eliminating waiting time at toll plazas and increasing government revenues, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said the new system will be based on satellite technology and artificial intelligence, allowing commuters to pass through toll points without stopping. He said the move is expected to save fuel worth about Rs 15 billion annually and add nearly Rs 60 billion to government revenues, while delivering zero waiting time at toll plazas.

“Our attempt is to reduce waiting time to zero minutes,” Gadkari said, adding that the system will use satellite-enabled number plate recognition integrated with AI and FASTag. “By the end of 2026, we will complete this work 100 per cent,” he told the House.

Addressing concerns over malpractices by contractors, the minister said strict action would be taken against violations. Contractors found not performing adequately will be debarred for two years and barred from bidding for future tenders, he said.

The new framework enables barrier-less tolling through a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition supported by AI analytics and RFID-based electronic toll collection. Gadkari said the system would significantly improve user convenience by ensuring faster and seamless travel, while also delivering economic benefits through cost savings, higher operational efficiency, environmental gains and improved productivity.

He added that removing physical toll booths and barriers would substantially reduce operational and maintenance costs, leading to lower expenditure on infrastructure upkeep and manpower.

Building Material

22 Dec 2025

Kumaraswamy Invites Envoys to Join Flagship Bharat Steel 2026

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, held an interactive meeting with Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of key partner countries, inviting them to actively participate in Bharat Steel 2026, the flagship international conference-cum-exhibition of the Ministry of Steel scheduled for April 2026.The meeting saw strong participation from representatives of countries that play a significant role in the global steel value chain. It formed part of the Ministry’s broader outreach efforts to deepen international cooperation and strengthen India’s engagement with ma..

Centre Clears Rs 8.87 Bn Plan for World-class Mumbai Marina

The Union Government has approved a Rs 8.87 billion proposal to develop a world-class marina at Mumbai Harbour, a move expected to significantly boost coastal shipping, maritime tourism and waterfront-led urban development in India’s financial capital.The proposed ‘Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina’ has been cleared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create global-standard tourism destinations and strengthen the country’s maritime economy. The project is designed to open up Mumbai’s waterfront for public use while att..

Study Highlights Freshwater Sponges’ Role in Fighting Metal Pollution

Scientists have identified freshwater sponges and their associated microbial communities as powerful natural allies in tackling toxic metal pollution, offering new hope for sustainable water quality management. A recent study has revealed that these sponges can act both as bioindicators and effective absorbents of harmful metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium.The findings come from a study published in Microbiology Spectrum by researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The research focused on freshwater spong..