GPS-Based Toll Collection System
The Indian government has announced the implementation of a new toll collection system using GPS technology, set to begin on May 1st. This system aims to provide an efficient and automated way to collect tolls on highways, reducing the waiting time at toll plazas and making the overall toll payment process more seamless for travelers.
India’s National Highways Infrastructure
India is home to more than 200 national highways. A decade ago, the total length of national highways in India was 91,287 kilometers. However, through the Bharat Mala project and other similar schemes, the length of these highways has now expanded to 200,000 kilometers. This development includes the construction of expressways and economic corridors to facilitate smoother transportation across the country.
Current Toll Collection Systems
Currently, toll collection is carried out at toll plazas across the national highways. In 2016, the Indian government introduced the FASTag system, which uses RFID technology to automate toll payments. This move significantly reduced the waiting time at toll booths. For example, in 2014, the average waiting time at toll plazas was 734 seconds (about 12 minutes). By 2023, this time was reduced to just 47 seconds, with the goal of reducing it further to 30 seconds.
New GPS-Based Toll Collection System
The government is now introducing a new system where toll collection will be done using GPS technology. This system will track the vehicle’s movement in real-time using the On-Board Unit (OBU) installed in the vehicle. The OBU communicates with the NavIC system (India’s own satellite navigation system) to calculate the distance traveled and determine the toll amount. Once the vehicle exits the toll road, the toll is automatically deducted from the linked bank account or digital wallet without the need for the vehicle to stop at a toll booth.
How the GPS-Based Toll Collection System Works:
- Vehicle Tracking: The GPS system tracks the movement of vehicles traveling on national highways.
- Distance Calculation: When a vehicle enters a toll road, the distance traveled is recorded by the OBU.
- Automatic Payment: Once the vehicle exits the toll road, the toll fee is automatically deducted from the vehicle’s linked bank account or digital wallet based on the distance traveled.
Key Features of the GPS-Based Toll Collection System:
- Reduced Waiting Time: No more long queues at toll booths, as vehicles will not have to stop for toll payment.
- Automated Toll Deduction: The system will automatically deduct the toll amount from the linked account, ensuring a smooth and cashless transaction.
- Accurate Tracking: The system ensures that tolls are collected accurately based on the actual distance traveled on toll roads.
- Transparent System: The system provides clear tracking of toll payments, ensuring transparency for vehicle owners.
Initial Rollout and Future Plans
The new system will initially be tested on major expressways and highways like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, Golden Quadrilateral, Delhi-Kolkata National Highway, and East-West Peripheral Expressways. Initially, it will be applied to commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, with private vehicles expected to be included in the system in the next phase.
Additionally, the government has announced that there will be toll-free travel for the first 20 kilometers each day for users, aiming to encourage adoption of the system.
Benefits and Expectations
This new system is expected to offer several benefits, such as eliminating the need for vehicles to wait at toll booths, which will save time and reduce traffic congestion. Furthermore, it will streamline toll collection and improve the overall experience for highway users. It is expected that this system will also boost the use of new technology in toll collection across the country.
Conclusion
The GPS-based toll collection system is set to revolutionize the way tolls are collected on India’s highways. With automated toll payment, real-time vehicle tracking, and a reduction in waiting times at toll booths, this system promises to enhance the driving experience for travelers. It also reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient infrastructure management, offering a more modern and streamlined approach to toll collection.
