2025 is expected to be a year of change for India in terms of highway tolling with the scrapping of FASTag in favor of a more universal and efficient system. According to the ministry, the new tolling system would stand to fully eliminate such barriers concerning time loss and fuel wastage caused by vehicles queuing up at TPs, among others.
What Is Going To Replace FASTag?
The new toll collection mechanism, and innovative tolling said to be introduced, are expected to operate based on a GPS-based toll collection technology charging vehicles on the basis of the exact distance run on national highways. FASTag enables toll deduction through a scan at toll booths of the prepaid tag attached to the vehicle. This new system through satellite-based tracking will automatically deduct toll fees without the vehicle owners having to perform the usual act of stopping at toll plazas.
Its Working:
Accordingly, one of the key aspects of this new system is for a vehicle to be provided with an On-Board Unit with GPS to recognize the points of entry and exit on the toll road, with toll charges automatically calculated and deducted from a bank account or wallet linked with such OBU. The entire tolling transaction would be administered and controlled by a central database.
Pilot Projects Are Underway
The National Highway Authority of India undertook some pilot projects with a view to establishing the viability of GPS-based tolling. First results appointed a positive view, less congestion, faster travel, and transparent toll payments.
Advantages To Commuters
- No More Stops at Toll Plazas: Hence, continuous vehicle movement is guaranteed.
- Pay-as-you-go: Charges are levied on the actual kilometers traveled rather than a fixed toll.
- Reduced Fuel Idle Wasting: Vehicles will less likely waste fuel while idling in long queues.
- Improved Compliance and Monitoring: Real-time vehicle tracking for better toll evading control.
Transition Plan
Meanwhile, FASTag will remain operational; however, upon successful national-level implementation, it will begin to be phased out by the government in due course. Vehicle owners will be required to upgrade to the OBUs, for which the government may provide assistance or incentives to facilitate the transition.
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