GPS-based tolling: Here’s an update which will lead to faster implementation

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Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working actively towards introducing GPS-based toll collection system. To take this a step ahead, a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has called tenders for technical advisory to develop this new system.

FASTag officially invited bidders through a tweet that read, “Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHCML) invites proposals for the “Engagement of Consultant for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling”.

The successful bidders have to study the current electronic and FASTag system and need to come up with a proposed solution on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling. Also, they have to create a proposed roadmap on the adoption of GNSS that NHAI and private toll operators can implement.

What is a GPS-based toll system?

The GPS toll system is a satellite-based ETC system that will use GPS and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and  Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) that are installed in vehicles to track the movement and charge the toll accordingly. The implementation of the GPS-based tolling system is a step further in regards to toll collection with the toll charge set to be deducted based on the distance traveled by vehicles. This will help ensure that users only pay for the distance covered, and not like the flat rates in place currently. The GPS will enforce the smooth movement of vehicles on roads.

Toll payment through FASTag

Toll collection through FASTtag was made compulsory from February 15, 2021 and after the mandatory implication 93% of the vehicles in the country are paying toll through Fastag and just 7% are still trying to understand the change in the system. The government has imposed double charges for payment through cash or other means to ramp up 100%  toll collection through FASTag.