Electronic Toll Plaza: The hassles associated with paying tolls on national highways are soon to end. This is a significant relief for travelers currently troubled by long queues at toll plazas. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that toll booths will be removed across the country from next year and replaced with a modern electronic toll collection system. This change will eliminate the need for vehicles to stop anywhere, and tolls will be collected automatically, making travel faster, safer, and more comfortable.
Why is the new system being implemented?
Previously, most toll plazas experienced long queues of vehicles. Especially on busy routes, vehicles remain stranded for hours. This wastes time, increases fuel consumption, and increases pollution. To address these problems, the government is implementing a system in which toll payments will be completely automatic and seamless.
How will the toll system work?
The government is implementing a multi-lane, free-flow electronic toll collection system. It will be completely barrier-free and will utilize two key technologies: an RFID-based FASTag and ANPR cameras. The FASTag will be affixed to the vehicle’s windshield, and the toll will be automatically deducted from its linked bank account. The ANPR cameras will scan the vehicle’s number plate to complete the toll collection process. Even if the FASTag fails for some reason, the cameras will still identify the vehicle, and the toll will be deducted.
Platform and Testing Status
The new system will be integrated with NPCI’s NETC platform, which manages the nationwide toll payment process. This electronic system was initially tested at 10 toll plazas, where the results were satisfactory. Work is now underway to implement it at selected new locations. Following successful testing, the technology will be gradually rolled out nationwide.
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Benefits to Travelers
The new toll system will be a game-changer for travelers. There will be no need to stop the vehicle, saving both fuel and time. This will eliminate the problem of congestion, honking, and long lines at toll plazas. Traffic on the highway will flow more smoothly, and travel will become faster, quieter, and more convenient. This change is a major step toward modernizing the country’s road transportation system.