Gadkari Highlights Importance of GNSS-Based Tolling for Smooth Travel on National Highways

GNSS-based electronic toll collection will also help to plug leaks and catch toll evaders, leading to a more efficient toll collection system throughout the country.

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has stated that NHAI's global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based tolling system will play a critical role in modernizing toll collection systems, assuring seamless travel, and reducing road congestion.

"GNSS technology improves navigation and positioning, which is critical for modernizing toll collection systems, ensuring seamless travel, and reducing road congestion. "We are constantly working to improve citizens' lives, making governance more transparent, and provide faster services," Gadkari said.

What is GNSS technology?
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based tolling is a barrier-free technique of electronic toll collection in which road users are charged based on the distance they travel on the tolled highway segment.

The GNSS-based tolling system uses virtual toll booths to monitor vehicle entry and exit from tolled portions. These virtual gantries, strategically located along the tolled road network, connect with GNSS-enabled cars, thereby eliminating the need for physical gantries.

The system collects important car information, such as the registration number, type, and bank account information. When a car passes through the virtual toll booth, the system automatically initiates tolling and deducts the necessary amount from the user's account.

NHAI introduces new RFID devices at toll plazas.

NHAI intends to integrate the GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system into the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially employing a hybrid paradigm in which both RFID-based and GNSS-based ETC would work simultaneously.

Dedicated GNSS lanes will be accessible at toll plazas, allowing vehicles with GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. Automatic identification systems and methods for electronic toll collection (ETC) are among the recently installed gadgets. These technologies enable seamless and contactless payment transactions. Vehicles equipped with RFID cards can now drive through toll plazas without stopping, resulting in shorter wait times and decreased fuel use.

As GNSS-based ETC becomes more widely used, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS.

"Over the last decade, the road network has grown dramatically, and national highways now transport more than 70% of the country's freight and passenger traffic. Implementing GNSS will make barrier-free tolling a reality for our citizens while also contributing significantly to the growth of our economy," stated Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of the NHAI.

According to the Ministry, implementing GNSS-based ETC will promote smooth vehicle movement along highways and provide barrier-less free-flow tolling, resulting in a hassle-free riding experience and distance-based tolling. The GNSS-based electronic toll collection will also help to plug leaks and track down toll evaders, resulting in a more efficient toll collection system across the country!