NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have made it clear that reports of the introduction of a Satellite-based Tolling System on May 1, 2025, are not true. No formal decision has been taken to substitute the existing FASTag-based toll collection system with satellite technology.
Instead, the NHAI will put in place an 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' at select toll plazas to facilitate faster and smoother traffic of vehicles. The new system will integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which identifies vehicles through the scanning of their license plates, with the existing FASTag system based on Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for the payment of tolls.
Under this new system, vehicles will be automatically charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers so that they can pass through toll plazas without stopping. In case of non-compliance, electronic reminders will be issued to offenders, and non-payment can lead to suspension of their FASTag and other VAHAN system-related fines.
The NHAI has already floated tenders for introducing this barrier-free tolling system at specific points. The call on whether it can be implemented nationwide will depend on the efficiency, performance, and feedback of the system during the first phase. This system is intended to improve the toll collection process while cutting down on travel time for drivers nationwide.
Also Watch: