In a move to make highway travel smoother and more efficient, the Indian government has approved significant changes to the toll tax system. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. These changes include the introduction of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection, eliminating the need to stop at toll plazas. The new rules also offer toll-free travel for up to 20 kilometers on National Highways.
No Toll Tax for Up to 20 KM
As per the new notification, the government aims to reduce congestion at toll plazas by introducing a more advanced and fair toll system. The GNSS-based system will allow vehicles to pay tolls according to the distance they have traveled on toll roads. However, for journeys up to 20 kilometers in any direction, no toll fee will be charged.
The ministry clarified that the new system will reduce queues at toll booths and ensure toll charges are calculated based on actual distance traveled. Only vehicles equipped with GNSS devices will be able to use this new toll system.
GNSS-Equipped Vehicles
The revised toll rules require vehicles to be equipped with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which allows tracking of the vehicle's position. This system ensures that for every 20 kilometers of travel on highways or expressways, vehicles will not be charged any toll tax. Beyond this limit, toll fees will be calculated based on the actual distance traveled.
The amendment to the National Highways Fee Rules now forms the "National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024."
How Does the GPS-Based Toll System Work?
This new system will function similarly to FASTag but will rely on advanced satellite tracking. Vehicles will need to install an On-Board Unit (OBU), which will communicate with satellites to track the vehicle's location. When the vehicle moves through highways or expressways, the OBU will transmit its location to the satellite, which calculates the total distance traveled.
Cameras installed along the highway will also verify the vehicle's presence. This system ensures toll charges are accurately calculated based on the real distance covered on National Highways.
Installing the On-Board Unit (OBU)
Just like FASTag, the OBU can be obtained through official government portals. Once installed on the vehicle, it acts as a tracking device, sending location data to the satellite, which monitors the vehicle's movement on highways. The toll for distances beyond 20 kilometers will be deducted automatically, based on the distance traveled.
Conclusion
The new GPS-based toll system marks a major leap in modernizing India's toll collection process, ensuring smoother and more efficient travel across National Highways. By eliminating the need to stop at toll plazas and offering free travel for short distances, this system is expected to significantly improve the driving experience for millions of motorists.
Stay tuned for further updates as the government rolls out this new system nationwide!
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