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Vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas
In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, MoRTH said that eight toll plazas have been selected for the pilot project and that Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to implement the barrier-less tolling system are in different stages for the selected fee (toll) plazas.
(Representational Image)
The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) on Wednesday announced that instead of the satellite-based user fee collection system, it is proceeding with corridor- or stretch-based projects for the implementation of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) FASTag System (AFS)-based Barrier-Less Free Flow tolling.
Speaking to News18, a ministry official explained that the AFS tolling system will combine ANPR technology—to identify vehicles by reading their number plates—and the existing FASTag system that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction.
Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas.
They added that barrier-less tolling upgrades the existing toll plazas by removing stops. However, it still relies on roadside equipment. The satellite-based tolling, on the other hand, is a virtual system that allows the ministry to charge precisely for road usage and leverages satellite tracking throughout the entire journey.
In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the ministry said that eight toll plazas have been selected for the pilot project and that Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to implement the barrier-less tolling system are in different stages for the selected fee (toll) plazas.
The ministry said that it will be implementing the system on other fee plazas in a phased manner, depending upon the outcome and efficacy of the implementation of these pilots.
The selection of stretches for implementation of the barrier-less fee collection system was based on a combination of factors, including geographic location, traffic volume, lane configuration, and congestion, the ministry added.
Eight Toll Plazas for Pilot
The RFP has been awarded for the Choryasi toll on the Bharuch-Surat stretch on NH-8.
The bids for the Gharaunda toll on the Panipat-Jalandhar section on NH-44 and the Nemili (Sriperumbudur) toll on the Walajapet-Poomalle segment on NH-48 are currently under evaluation.
Further, RFP bids have been invited for Bijwasan and Panchgaon (Integrated) tolls on the Dwarka Expressway on NH-248BB. Bids have also been invited for three tolls on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48—Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur, and Daulatpura.
For the Urban Extension Road (UER)-II along NH-344M and NH-344N, the ministry has issued a re-bidding.
The government said it has decided to implement a barrier-free system to increase the efficiency of tolling operations and ensure seamless, free-flow movement of vehicles along national highways. This will involve a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system using available technology.
It will be deployed at selected sections of national highways as an added facility, alongside the existing FASTag system. Under this model, user fees will be charged without requiring vehicles to stop, slow down, or remain in a specific lane at toll plazas.
Violations or Non-FASTag Cases on Barrier-Less Fee Collection System
Under the barrier-less fee collection system, violations or non-FASTag cases are proposed to be addressed through electronic notices (e-notices), in accordance with the provisions of the National Highways Fee Rules. Non-payment of e-notices may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties.
The ministry said that road users can raise their grievances through the e-notice portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Highways Helpline 1033, dedicated email [email protected], FASTag Issuer Bank Helplines, or the Rajmargyatra App.
Further Deliberations Needed for Satellite-based Tolling
The ministry informed the house that the Apex Committee and High-Level Empowered Committee, consisting of experts from industry and academia, in view of security and privacy considerations and overall operational control, have recommended further deliberations for the satellite-based user fee collection system.
“Satellite-based user fee collection system is not currently operational anywhere on National Highways (NHs). It has been decided to proceed with Corridor/Stretch-based projects for the implementation of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) FASTag System (AFS)-based Barrier Less Free Flow tolling,” the reply reads.
Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived…Read More
Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived… Read More
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