Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) developed a GIS-based software for real-time monitoring of waiting times at toll plazas.
Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) based Electronic Toll
- About: It is expected to replace the current FASTag toll collection system and provide a long-term solution for congestion at tolling booths.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
- This system is a network of satellites.
- It broadcasts time and orbital information.
- This system is used in all forms of transportations such as space stations, aviation, maritime, rail, road and mass transit.
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- Key features of GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection System
- Satellite-based technology: Uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track vehicles and calculate tolls based on the distance travelled.
- Free-flow tolling: Eliminates toll booths, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping.
- Distance-based tolling: Users only pay for the highway stretch they use.
- Improved efficiency: Reduces congestion and improves toll collection by eliminating leakages and evaders.
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- Benefits of GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection System
- Smoother Traffic Flow: Removal of toll plazas is expected to reduce traffic congestion, especially during busy times.
- Fair Billing: Users will only pay tolls for the distance they travel, promoting a fair pay-as-you-use model.
- Working :
- A dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas to allow vehicles using GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely.
- When a vehicle passes through the toll gates, the toll charger will receive pings (distance and time stamp) of GNSS vehicles through On Board Unit or OBUs fitted in the GNSS vehicles.
- The OBUs of GNSS vehicles will be onboarded with the toll charger through Fintechs, similar to the issuer banks concept under the current FASTag System.
Challenges of GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection System
- Payment Recovery: Recovering tolls from users with insufficient funds or those who manipulate the system remains a concern.
- Enforcement Infrastructure: Establishing a nationwide network of Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for enforcement requires significant infrastructure development.
- Privacy Concerns: Ensuring data security and user privacy are adequately addressed is essential.
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How does the present system work?
- Electronic Toll Collection in India is done through FASTag.
- About FASTag:
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- It is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
- The FASTag (RFID Tag) is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, enabling a customer to make toll payments directly from the Prepaid / Bank account linked to the FASTag.
- FASTag offers the convenience of cashless payment and benefits like- fuel and time savings as the customer does not have to stop at the toll plaza.
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September 5, 2024
