GPR-based toll collection to replace toll plazas in 6 months: Centre

In the next six months, the government will introduce new technologies such as GPS-based toll collection systems to replace the country’s existing motorway toll plazas, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Mr Gadkari stated that the move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and charging motorists for the exact distance travelled on highways.

Mr Gadkari also stated that the state-owned NHAI’s toll revenue is currently 40,000 crore and will increase to 1.40 lakh crore in 2-3 years while speaking at an event organised by industry body CII.

“The government is looking at new technologies including GPS-based toll systems to replace toll plazas in the country…We will bring new technology in six months,” he said.

The ministry of road transport and highways is piloting an automatic number plate recognition system (automatic number plate reader cameras) to allow automated toll collection without stopping vehicles.

During the fiscal year 2018-19, the average wait time for vehicles at toll plazas was 8 minutes. The average vehicle waiting time has been reduced to 47 seconds since the implementation of FASTags in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Although there has been significant improvement in waiting times at certain locations, particularly near cities, there are still some delays at toll plazas during peak hours in densely populated towns.

The road transport and highways minister emphasised the importance of lowering construction costs without sacrificing quality.