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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..