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.

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