In a new initiative aimed at improving toll collection efficiency and reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that vehicles equipped with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can now travel up to 20 kilometers for free on national highways. This rule, introduced under the amended National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, marks a significant shift in how tolls are collected and aims to streamline road travel across India.
What Does the New Rule Mean?
According to the latest notification, vehicles fitted with GNSS devices can enjoy a zero-toll journey for up to 20 kilometers in each direction on national highways and expressways. This exemption applies daily and covers private vehicles but excludes national permit vehicles. The aim is to implement GNSS-based electronic toll collection across the country, allowing drivers to pay tolls based on the actual distance traveled instead of fixed toll points, ultimately reducing congestion at toll plazas.
The ministry’s notification explained, “A driver, owner, or person in charge of a mechanical vehicle, other than National Permit Vehicles, using the same section of a national highway, bridge, bypass, or tunnel, shall be charged zero user fees for up to 20 kilometers of travel in each direction under the GNSS-based fee collection system. If the distance exceeds 20 kilometers, the fee will be charged based on the actual distance traveled.”
How GNSS Works
The GNSS device will be fitted into vehicles and will be non-transferable, ensuring that the user fee is collected automatically based on the distance covered. This advanced system will replace traditional toll collection methods, including the widely used FASTag. Vehicles with GNSS will not need to stop at toll plazas, as the system will automatically deduct toll fees for the distance traveled.
However, there’s a catch—vehicles not equipped with GNSS that attempt to use GNSS-exclusive lanes will be penalized by paying double the toll amount. This measure ensures compliance with the new system and discourages non-GNSS vehicles from using dedicated GNSS lanes. The system also includes advanced reading, identification, and enforcement equipment to ensure smooth toll collection and monitoring.
Distance-Based Tolling
The introduction of GNSS in toll collection is part of India’s broader effort to modernize its road infrastructure and make highway travel more efficient. Under this system, vehicles will be charged only for the stretch they have actually traveled, moving away from fixed toll rates that apply to entire sections of highways. This change is expected to not only ease congestion but also make toll payments more fair and transparent.
With this system, private vehicle owners can now look forward to hassle-free highway journeys, reduced waiting times at toll plazas, and payments that better reflect their usage of national highways. However, for those yet to adopt the GNSS system, the penalty for entering GNSS lanes will serve as a strong motivator to switch to the new technology.
The Future of Toll Collection
The move to GNSS-based tolling aligns with India’s growing emphasis on using technology to solve infrastructure challenges. It also complements ongoing efforts to create a seamless travel experience on national highways, promoting safety, speed, and efficiency. As the GNSS system rolls out across the country, it has the potential to significantly change how road travel is managed and monitored in India, enhancing both the user experience and the efficiency of toll collection.
With this system, the journey towards a smarter, more efficient road network in India takes a significant step forward, benefiting millions of drivers and easing the burden on toll infrastructure.