Barrier-Free Satellite-Based Toll Plazas Soon As Modi Government Notifies New Rules

The Narendra Modi government is getting ready to implement toll collection on highways and expressways through a satellite-based and barrier-free method, and has notified new rules in this regard for the first time.

The rules say toll can be collected through a ‘Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit’ or any such device or Automatic Number Plate Recognition Device or FASTag or any combination thereof. The rules say the new system will be non-transferable and firmly fitted device in a vehicle linked to Global Navigation Satellite System based user fee collection. News18 has a copy of the notification issued on September 10.

The new rules say an exclusive lane can be earmarked for Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit fitted vehicle and in case vehicle enters such lane, without a valid, functional Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit, it shall pay a fee equivalent to two times of the user fee applicable at that fee plaza.

Speaking at an event earlier this year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that the newly proposed satellite-based tolls will not just modernise the entire system but also ensure seamless travel and reduce congestion on roads as the technology will enhance navigation and positioning.

Implementing GNSS will make barrier-less tolling a reality as under this system there will be Electronic Toll Collection wherein the road users are charged on the distance they have travelled on the tolled Highway stretch.

Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. As GNSS based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.

The GNSS based Electronic Toll Collection will also help to plug leakages and check toll evaders resulting in more efficient toll collection system across the country

The new rules say that a driver, owner or person in-charge of a mechanical vehicle other than National Permit vehicle who makes use of the same section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, shall be levied a zero-user fee upto 20 kilometers of journey in each direction in a day under Global Navigation Satellite System-based user fee collection system. If the distance travelled is more than 20 kilometers, then fee will be charged for actual distance travelled, the new rules say.