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 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..