New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has updated the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, to include satellite-based electronic toll collection systems.

This change will introduce the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as a new method for toll collection, along with existing systems like FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

What is GPS-based toll collection?

Currently, tolls are paid manually at toll booths, which can cause traffic congestion, even with the use of FASTag. The new GPS-based toll collection system uses satellites and in-car tracking devices to calculate tolls based on the distance traveled. Vehicles equipped with On-Board Units (OBUs) or tracking devices will be charged according to the distance they cover on highways, utilizing satellite tracking and GPS technology.

How does it differ from FASTag?

The satellite-based toll system employs GNSS technology, which allows for precise location tracking.

How will the satellite-based toll collection work?

Vehicles will be equipped with OBUs that function as tracking devices, recording their coordinates on highways and transmitting this data to satellites to calculate the distance traveled. This system will first be implemented on major highways and expressways and will be accessible through government portals, similar to FASTags.