India’s New Satellite-Based (GNSS) Toll Collection System Implemented

After several tests of the new GPS-based toll collection system in selected regions, the Indian government sounds optimistic about this technology, which is why they have now entered the implementation stage. 

The GPS-based toll collection system works in tandem with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, which tracks vehicles and automatically calculates toll tax. The primary reason behind this initiative is to create free-flowing traffic without any stop/hassle. 

To boost the use, the Indian government has allowed a distance-based toll-free grace period of up to 20 kilometres on national highways. In other words, the drivers can travel up to 20km without paying anything, and that too, towards any direction. After covering the aforementioned kilometres, the drivers will be charged on a kilometre basis. This system will cover all tunnels, bypasses, bridges, and national highways. 

However, it is worth noting that vehicles with a National Permit are not eligible for the grace period. 

Technology’s Working Principle and Availability

As mentioned earlier, this satellite-powered GPS technology will ease the toll collection process, and more importantly, it will fix the long queues and inconvenience faced by drivers at toll plazas, which we face currently. Hence, this new technology is a promising alternative to the outgoing FASTags system. 

Now, as for its functionality, the new GNSS-based toll collection system will require vehicles to be equipped with an onboard unit (OBU) or a supported/authorised tracking device, which will automatically pay tolls. Meanwhile, there will be advanced technologies incorporated, such as a digital image processing unit and a CCTV surveillance system, which will together verify locations for precise toll calculations. 

And, OBUs will send the vehicle’s location data to satellites. While having advantages, the GNSS-based toll system has several challenges as well. That said, it can have signal interruptions from multipath reflections, which can cause inaccurate location data, plus bad weather can disrupt the satellite signals. Additionally, areas like tunnels and ghats may lead to weak or distorted signals. 

Lastly, drivers can buy on-board units (OBUs) via the government portals and install them themselves. But, later on, the new/future vehicles are likely to come with factory-fitted OBUs.