Pay as you go—no more toll plazas! Tolls will now be deducted via satellite.

The central government is preparing to introduce a satellite-based toll collection system on select national highways by 2028–29. This will eliminate the need for motorists to stop at toll plazas, as they will instead be charged based on the actual distance traveled.

If you are tired of the long queues at toll plazas while traveling on highways, the way you pay tolls is set to change. The central government is preparing to implement a satellite-based toll collection system on certain national highways across the country. Under this new system, motorists will no longer need to stop at toll plazas; instead, tolls will be charged based on the distance covered on the highway. The government aims to roll out this system on select national highways by 2028–29.

Currently, FASTag is used for toll collection in the country. However, the implementation of this new system could transform the payment process. This will require completing the necessary technical preparations and strengthening the satellite-based vehicle monitoring infrastructure.

What is a satellite-based toll collection system?

A satellite-based toll collection system utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or GPS technology to track a vehicle's location and the distance traveled on a highway. With this system, motorists do not need to stop at traditional toll plazas; instead, they are charged a toll proportional to the distance they have actually traveled on the tolled highway.

This may require the installation of a specialized device in vehicles. The plan is to implement this system alongside the existing FASTag and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) infrastructure.

A major responsibility entrusted to IIT Kanpur.

The central government is currently working on the preparations to implement this technology across the country. To this end, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has entrusted the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with the responsibility of establishing a 'Centre of Excellence' to conduct research on this technology and develop a reliable system.

Through this centre, research will be carried out on satellite-based toll collection technology, with a focus on tailoring it to India's specific requirements. The Ministry will provide full funding for this initiative.

What are the benefits of a satellite-based toll system?

It could help alleviate long queues of vehicles at toll plazas.
There will be less need for vehicles to stop in order to pay tolls.
Tolls will be charged based on the actual distance traveled.
The need for infrastructure associated with toll plazas may be reduced.