Have you ever been to Europe or overseas? GPS-based toll systems are so common there. You don’t wait in hour-long queues, no indulgence in conversations with toll-guy and you face no delays. Hard to imagine, right? Well, it is rumoured that India’s highways are on the brink of this technological shake-up. Everywhere thoughts and headlines are buzzing about the end of FASTag and the dawn of new GPS-based tolling. This means no hassle of waiting and your journeys will be smoother than ever.
Though this will be a good initiative, is the country really set to scrap toll plazas and RFID tags for this satellite-powered future starting May 1, 2025? Or this is just a plain rumour since it’s a short span of time?
Well, the answer, as it turns out, is much more complex and the government’s latest clarifications reveal a story of innovation, caution, and gradual transition. Corporate Soldiers brings you all the news behind this hype!
What’s The Hype?
For weeks, news outlets and social media have been going bonkers with claims, ‘No FASTag, no stops, India to launch GPS-based toll system from May 1!’ We know it evokes a sudden thrill in us and the narrative is enticing though. However, there is much more to this news. So, according to the news, instead of slowing down at toll plazas, vehicles would be tracked via satellite, with tolls automatically deducted based on the exact distance traveled. Hence, no more queues, no more halts, and automatically you will save time.
Wondering what is this new system? It is called the ‘Global Navigation Satellite System’ (GNSS), and it uses on-board units (OBUs) in vehicles to communicate with satellites. It will track highway usage in real-time and hence, payments will be deducted from linked digital wallets accordingly. It will support both prepaid and postpaid options.
The Reality or The Rumour?
So, all that buzz about FASTag being replaced by GPS tolling on May 1st, 2025? Turns out, it’s just a rumor. Don’t be sad. The government itself has stepped in to set the record straight, there’s no nationwide switch happening on that date. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) wants to make it crystal clear that they haven’t given the green light to ditch FASTag for satellite tolling just yet. However, the good news is things have been working to bring GPS-based toll systems in India.
| Category | Total Number | Details |
| Total Plaza in India | 1063 | Includes all user fee plazas on national and state highways |
| Toll Plaza to be Upgraded | Not Specified yet | Only ‘selected toll plazas’ for FASTag-ANPR pilot, exact number not disclosed yet |
| Current Fastag/ANPR Hybrid Rollout | Pilot only | No nationwide change yet, FASTag continues. |
Instead of going all-in on GPS, they’re testing a hybrid system at a few toll plazas. This new system uses cameras to read your license plate (that’s ANPR technology) along with the FASTag you already have. As per the government, the main focus is to let you zip through toll points without stopping, cutting down on traffic and saving time. It’s like FASTag, but much smoother.
How the Hybrid System Works?
License plate recognition through (ANPR Cameras):
Eyes on the Road Super-smart cameras are constantly scanning license plates as cars approach the toll area. They’re fast and accurate, able to read plates even in tricky conditions. High-performance cameras automatically read vehicle number plates as they approach toll points.
FASTag RFID and Barrier-less Tolling:
It allows you to glide right through which means it is a barrier-free tolling system so you don’t have to stop at all. The system recognizes your vehicle and charges you while you’re on the move.
E-Notices for Violators:
Oops! You didn’t Pay? E-Notices to the rescue. If something goes wrong like your FASTag is invalid, or you don’t have one at all, you’ll get an electronic notice. Also, your Fastag will be suspended and other penalties will comply with the rules.
How Does GPS-based Tolling Work?
Most of us have never sailed right through a toll booth without stopping. It is a possibility that is missing in our country at the moment. But all this might be a reality, all thanks to a new kind of toll system that’s popping up. It will make all your toll payments faster and easier.
Enough about the stories and social media claims. It is time to know how this GPS tolling actually work. Well, the idea is to use satellites to track your car and charge you only for the exact distance you travel on tolled roads. Think of it as ‘pay as you go’ for highways! However, it’s not quite ready for prime time across the country yet, but the government and NHAI are working hard on the details. They are yet to work on things like the tech, the rules, and how to keep your data safe.
Let Corporate Soldiers give you a sneak peek at what it’ll look like!
Pay-Per-Kilometer:
Finally, a fair system for all your travels! Through such tech you will have to pay for the exact distance you drive on tolled roads. This means it will be distance-based charging system.
Bye-Bye Toll Booths:
Though the Government is still working on it, if it happens it will mean that you won’t have to wait hour-long queue! This virtual system gets rid of those annoying toll plazas, cutting down on traffic jams and pollution.
Satellite Tracking:
In this feature, your car will have a small device (an OBU) that talks to satellites to keep track of your location. Don’t worry, it’s not spying on you, it’s just for tolling purposes.
Pay Your Way:
This will also give you freedom on payment modes. You’ll have options such as pay in advance (prepaid) or pay later (postpaid).
Though the initial plan is to roll this out for trucks and buses first, however later on it is equally planned for cars and motorcycles. And to make sure your data stays safe, they’re planning to use India’s own NavIC satellite system. This way all your information will be safe and will remain within the country.
Why We Need it?
We all know that FASTag was a good start for all of us, but let’s face the reality. And the reality is those toll plazas still cause headaches. They slow us down through the hour-long queues and the occasional tech and network issues, they just go on and on. That’s why we’re moving towards GPS and ANPR tolling. Simply, it’s all about fixing what’s broken. Here’s what we’re aiming for in GPS-enabled tolling!
- Traffic will be much smoother and you will not have to stop at toll plazas.
- You only pay for the kilometers you actually drive on the tolled road.
- There will be fewer errors since all the processes will be automated.
- Less idling and smoother traffic means less pollution, isn’t it?
Less Traffic Congestion:
If the GPS-based toll works efficiently, the traffic jams will definitely become your distant memory! This system will finally destroy the biggest headache on India’s highways. FASTag helped, but you still had to slow down and wait in line to get the job done. On the other hand, instead of stopping, your car will have a small device that uses satellites to track exactly how far you drive on the tolled road. The toll gets calculated and deducted automatically, without you having to lift a finger (or tap your FASTag). Hence, this will be a much smoother process for us.
Ready to Indulge or Good Old System is Fine?
Dear readers! Don’t toss your FASTag just yet! It’s still going to be your trusty sidekick for now as your good old FASTag remains very much in use. The government is taking things slow and steady, testing out this new hybrid system (ANPR plus FASTag) at a few spots. The news is, that the GPS-based system is definitely coming, however, it’s just not going to happen overnight.
This is just the beginning, be sure to monitor for updates as there will be a transition period. In the meantime, keep your FASTag charged, and get ready for the highways as they are wide open! Sayonara from Corporate Soldiers!
