The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing to transition to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tolling across India. According to MoRTH Secretary, the government plans to invite bids for implementing this system in the last quarter of the financial year 2024.
Source:- news 18
GNSS tolling, a satellite-based technology, will replace the existing system of toll plazas by enabling direct toll collection based on the distance covered by vehicles on national highways. This will involve installing GNSS-based devices in vehicles, which will track their movement and calculate toll charges accordingly. The move is aimed at reducing congestion, minimizing leakages in toll collection, and enhancing transparency.
Source:- BBC News
The transition to GNSS tolling is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize the highway toll collection process. This shift is expected to bring multiple benefits, including reduced waiting times at toll plazas, lower fuel consumption, and decreased emissions due to smoother traffic flow. Additionally, it will contribute to improving the overall efficiency of the national highway network by streamlining toll operations.
The MoRTH has been in discussions with various stakeholders, including technology providers, automotive manufacturers, and financial institutions, to ensure a smooth transition to this new system. The government is also exploring the best practices adopted by other countries that have successfully implemented GNSS tolling to avoid potential challenges and tailor the system to India’s specific needs.
With bids expected to be invited by the end of FY 2024, the transition to GNSS tolling is poised to revolutionize toll collection in India, making it more efficient and user-friendly. The government’s initiative marks a significant step towards leveraging advanced technology for the country’s infrastructure development and aligns with the broader goal of a digital India.
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