India is set to implement a nationwide, barrier-less electronic toll collection system within the next year, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This initiative aims to replace the current toll collection methods with a seamless, technology-driven approach, promising a smoother experience for highway users.
Gadkari made the announcement on Thursday during a question hour in Lok Sabha. He stated that the new electronic toll collection system has already been launched in 10 locations and is slated for nationwide implementation within a year. This system seeks to eliminate traditional toll booths, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping for toll payments.
The core of this new system is based on technology that automatically deducts toll charges from the user's bank account based on road usage. The amount of toll will be directly deducted from the bank account based on the stretch of road covered. This promises to save both time and money for travelers.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program, which will serve as a unified platform for electronic toll payments across India's highways. FASTag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device attached to a vehicle's windshield, is central to this system. This technology enables automatic toll payments from the user's linked account, improving efficiency and convenience for drivers.
The introduction of FASTag has already significantly reduced the average waiting time at toll plazas, from 714 seconds to just 47 seconds. Streamlining processes and reducing waiting times at toll plazas have been communicated to the World Bank.
Gadkari has also spoken about his ambition to elevate India’s National Highway road network to the standard of America. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, which aims to develop approximately 26,000 km of economic corridors, is crucial for handling freight traffic on roads, along with the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) and North-South and East-West (NS-EW) corridors.
The transition to a fully electronic toll collection system marks a significant step towards modernizing India's highway infrastructure and improving the overall transportation experience.
