Nitin Gadkari Ends Tolls; Announces New GPS Toll Collection
Nitin Gadkari announces the end of toll plazas and the introduction of a satellite-based toll collection system, aiming to reduce waiting times and toll prices while utilizing GPS technology.
India’s Minister of Transport, Nitin Gadkari, has unveiled plans to revolutionize the country’s road toll collection system. In an interview on 29th March 2024, Gadkari announced the government’s decision to abolish toll plazas and introduce a modern satellite-based toll collection system.
Under the new system, vehicles will be charged based on the distance they travel on the roads. This means that drivers will only pay for the length of road they cover, with the toll amount automatically deducted from their bank accounts. The system will utilize GPS satellite technology to track the movement of vehicles and calculate toll fees accordingly.
To enable this new system, all vehicles will be required to have GPS-enabled number plates, which will be monitored by satellites. Automatic number plate reader (ANPR) cameras installed on highways will recognize these GPS-enabled number plates and deduct the toll fees directly from the vehicle owners’ bank accounts.
Gadkari emphasized that the new satellite-based toll collection system will not only save money for drivers but also reduce travel time as there will be no need to stop at toll plazas to pay tolls. This move is part of the government’s efforts to eliminate waiting times at toll plazas and reduce toll prices.
Previously, the government introduced Fastags to streamline toll collection and reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas. Reports indicate that Fastags have significantly reduced average waiting times at toll plazas from approximately 12 minutes to just 47 seconds.
Responding to concerns about high toll prices, Gadkari explained that toll fees contribute to the development and maintenance of roads, ultimately saving time and fuel for drivers. He highlighted the improvements in travel times, citing the example of the Mumbai-Pune route, which now takes only two hours compared to nine hours previously.
Despite Gadkari’s announcement in December 2023 regarding the rollout of the new GPS toll collection system by March 2024, there have been no updates from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) or banks across the country.
In related news, the toll for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link has increased by 18% from 1st April 2024. Four-wheelers and cars are now required to pay ?100 instead of the previous ?85.
While the government’s move to end toll collection through toll plazas has been welcomed by many, concerns remain about the implementation and timeline of the new satellite-based toll collection system.
For more information on toll-related issues, watch ISH’s video on the Gujarat Toll Plaza Scam.
Stay tuned for further updates on the transition to the new toll collection system in India.
