Nitin Gadkari announces end of toll booths: In December 2023, Nitin Gadkari had stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to implement the new system by March 2024.
Satellite-based toll collection system in India
Taking a major decision, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced to end the existing toll system. He said on July 26 that the government is scrapping the existing toll system and will soon introduce a satellite-based toll collection system. The new system aims to increase toll collection and reduce congestion at toll booths.
Statement in Rajya Sabha-
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Nitin Gadkari said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will implement the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The system will initially be used at select toll booths.
Earlier in an interview to news agency ANI, Gadkari had said, “Now we are doing away with tolls and introducing a satellite based toll collection system. Money will be deducted from your bank account and you will be charged according to the distance you cover. This will save time and money.”
How does it work?
• GPS and GAGAN: The system utilizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) and India’s own GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) for precise location tracking.
• On-Board Unit (OBU): Vehicles will be equipped with an OBU or a tracking device that communicates with satellites to determine their location.
Also read this: Budget 2024: Decoding Modi Government’s Key Announcements for Growth & Welfare
• Toll Calculation: The system calculates the toll based on the distance traveled on toll roads.
• Cashless Transactions: Toll amounts will be deducted directly from a linked bank account or digital wallet.
• Virtual Toll Booths: Instead of physical toll plazas, the system employs virtual toll booths that communicate with satellites to monitor vehicle movement.
Information about the new system
In December 2023, Nitin Gadkari had stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to implement the new system by March 2024. Efforts to streamline procedures at toll booths and reduce waiting times have been reported to the World Bank. The introduction of FASTag has reduced the average waiting time at toll booths significantly. The system has been successfully used in Bangalore-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana.
Finally Satellite based toll system will be introduced in India in 2 months-
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announces the end of current toll system .
Nowngovt will bring a new satellite-based toll collection system.
Now at the time exit, tax will be deducted… https://t.co/mXsCwmFlLy
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) July 26, 2024
About the benefits of the new system
The new satellite based toll collection system will bring many benefits to the citizens. This system will reduce congestion at toll plazas, save time for motorists and make travel easier.
Also read this:
• Global temperature breaks 84-year record, according to European Climate Agency
