15-March-2024-Editorial

NEW SATELLITE-BASED TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM TO REPLACE OLD SYSTEMS

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has unveiled plans to introduce a new highway toll collection system based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

This system aims to revolutionize toll collection by leveraging satellite technology for accurate tracking and seamless transactions.

New Proposed Highway Tolling System:

Salient Features:

• Utilizes GNSS, including India’s GAGAN, for precise location tracking.
• Involves fitting vehicles with On-Board Units (OBUs) for satellite communication.
• Digital image processing logs highway coordinates for toll calculation.
• Toll payments deducted from a digital wallet linked to the OBU, ensuring cashless transactions.
• Enforcement measures include gantries with CCTV cameras for monitoring compliance.

Benefits:

• Smoother Traffic Flow: Removal of toll plazas expected to reduce congestion.
• Faster Commutes: Frictionless toll collection leads to quicker travel times.
• Fair Billing: Users pay tolls only for the actual distance traveled, promoting fairness.

Challenges:

• Payment Recovery: Concerns regarding recovering tolls from depleted digital wallets or system tampering.
• Enforcement Infrastructure: Establishing a nationwide network of ANPR cameras requires significant development.
• Privacy Concerns: Addressing data security and user privacy is crucial.

FASTag:

• FASTag employs RFID technology for toll payments while the vehicle is in motion.
• It is affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen and linked to the user’s account for direct payments.
• Operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

GAGAN:

• GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) enhances the accuracy of GNSS receivers.
• Collaboration between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• Aims to provide precise navigation assistance for aircraft in Indian airspace, enhancing safety for civil operations.

Conclusion:

 The introduction of a GNSS-based highway tolling system represents a significant leap towards modernizing infrastructure and enhancing user experience on Indian highways.

Despite challenges, leveraging technologies like FASTag and GAGAN can contribute to smoother, safer, and more efficient transportation networks in the country.