INVC News | Mobility Desk | April 2025
NEW DELHI — In a groundbreaking step towards transforming India’s road transport sector, the Indian government has announced the launch of a satellite-based toll collection system, aimed at revolutionizing how tolls are collected across the country’s highways and expressways. This ambitious initiative promises to enhance travel efficiency, reduce congestion, and minimize delays, offering commuters a seamless and smarter travel experience.
🚗 What is the Satellite-Based Toll System?
The newly introduced satellite-based toll system utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to track vehicles in real time, providing an automated and hassle-free toll collection process. This system eliminates the need for traditional toll booths, which are notorious for causing traffic snarls. Instead, vehicles equipped with an On-Board Unit (OBU) will be automatically detected by satellites as they travel along national highways and expressways.
Benefits of the Satellite-Based Toll System:
Cashless and Efficient: The system ensures automatic toll deductions from a linked digital wallet.
Faster Travel: With no need to stop at toll plazas, the toll collection is instantaneous.
Real-Time Monitoring: The GNSS technology ensures accurate and transparent tolling based on the actual distance covered by each vehicle.
🎁 Toll-Free Travel for the First 20 km: A Big Win for Commuters!
In a move that’s set to delight frequent travelers, the Indian government has announced that the first 20 kilometers of travel on highways will be toll-free for every vehicle equipped with a GNSS OBU. This is a major perk aimed at encouraging commuters to adopt the new system.
How it Works: The toll-free benefit will be applicable once a day per vehicle.
Beyond 20 km: After traveling over 20 kilometers, tolls will be charged based on the actual distance traveled, ensuring fair and accurate billing.
This initiative ensures that shorter trips—especially for those traveling within a city or for quick errands—will be more affordable, without the burden of toll charges.
📅 Phased Rollout: When Will the New System Be Available?
The satellite-based toll collection system will be implemented in phases across the country. Here’s what you can expect:
Pilot Phase: The first phase will see the system implemented on select national highways and expressways starting later this year.
Full-Scale Rollout: The full implementation is expected to cover the entire network of highways by 2026-27, with expanded coverage over time.
Legacy System Continuity: During the rollout period, the FASTag system will continue to operate alongside the new GNSS-based system, allowing for a smooth transition for drivers.
💳 How Does Payment Work?
Once your vehicle is equipped with the On-Board Unit (OBU), the toll payment process becomes completely automated. Here’s how it works:
OBU Linkage: Your vehicle’s OBU is linked to a digital wallet or prepaid account.
Automatic Toll Deduction: As your vehicle passes a satellite-enabled toll zone, the system will automatically deduct the appropriate toll based on the distance traveled.
No Hassles, No Waiting: With no physical interactions required, this system eliminates the need to wait in long toll plaza lines.
The GNSS system is expected to reduce the toll collection process to mere seconds, contributing to faster highway commutes and minimal congestion.
🚀 Why This is a Game-Changer for Indian Highways
This satellite-based toll collection system isn’t just a step forward in technology—it’s a game-changer for how Indian highways will operate in the future. Here’s why:
No More Traffic Jams at Toll Plazas: By removing physical toll booths, travelers can cruise through highways without stopping, resulting in reduced congestion.
Cost-Effective and Transparent: The system ensures accurate billing based on the distance covered, addressing complaints about overcharging at toll booths.
Eco-Friendly: With fewer vehicles idling at toll plazas, this system contributes to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
🔗 Related Stories
🚦 What’s Next for India’s Tolling System?
The satellite-based toll system is just the beginning of a broader effort to modernize the Indian road network. Moving forward, the Indian government plans to introduce even more technological innovations aimed at creating a smart, efficient, and connected road transport system.
Stay tuned for more updates as the satellite-based toll collection system rolls out and becomes a cornerstone of India’s highway modernization efforts.
💬 Let Us Know What You Think!
What do you think about the new satellite-based toll system? Will it make your daily commute easier? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
