Summarize

Simplifying... Inshort

Vehicles equipped with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) will soon enjoy free travel for the first 20km on national highways.
This is part of a new toll collection system that calculates fees based on actual distance covered and speed.
The system, which will initially coexist with the current FASTag system, will be tested at select toll gates and eventually be integrated into all lanes at toll plazas.

Was a long read? Making it simpler...

Next Article

This is expected to significantly aid daily commuters

Free 20km travel for GNSS-equipped vehicles on national highways

By Dwaipayan Roy

Sep 10, 2024

07:05 pm

What's the story

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced changes to the National Highways Fee Rules, offering free travel up to 20km for personal vehicles. The latest notification specifies that vehicles fitted with a functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit, will be eligible for this benefit. This change is expected to significantly aid daily commuters who use short stretches of such highways.

Fee details

Fee structure for distances exceeding 20km

The revised rules also clarify the fee structure for distances exceeding the initial 20km. If a vehicle travels more than the prescribed limit, a fee will be charged based on the actual distance covered. This applies to any national highway, permanent bridge, bypass, or tunnel used by vehicles without a National Permit. The notification further states that an exclusive lane can be designated for GNSS-fitted two/four-wheelers at toll plazas.

Pilot study

GNSS-based toll collection system to be implemented

A GNSS-based toll collection system will be implemented at select toll gates, as per an official release from MoRTH. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had previously mentioned a pilot study regarding this system, on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275, and Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709. The GNSS-enabled tags will transmit location and speed data of the relevant vehicle to a centralized system, which will then calculate the toll based on the distance traveled, and speed at which this distance was covered.

Integration plans

GNSS-based ETC system to be integrated with FASTag

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to integrate the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem. Initially, a hybrid model will be used where both RFID-dependent ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously. Dedicated lanes for vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC will be available at toll plazas. As this system becomes more prevalent, all lanes are expected to eventually transition into GNSS lanes.