In a move to provide a seamless and barrier-free tolling experience on National Highways, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), organized an international workshop on the implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection in India. The event took place in New Delhi and brought together industry leaders and global experts to discuss the various aspects of implementing this advanced tolling system.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, Union Ministers of State, MoRTH; Shri Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH; Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman, NHAI; Shri Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration), NHAI & CMD IHMCL; Shri S.P. Singh, Joint Secretary (Logistics), MoRTH; senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, NHAI, and IHMCL; and international experts from the US and Europe. Representatives from IITs, NIC, NPCI, C-DAC, HOA(I), NHBF, IRF, SIAM, financial institutions, and leading global technology companies also participated.
The day-long workshop featured multiple panel discussions where industry and technical professionals, along with global GNSS experts, deliberated on key aspects such as On-Board Units (OBU), commercial vehicle and National Highway fee rules, toll charger software, the role of issuer entities, and the essentials of road infrastructure for the successful implementation of multi-lane free-flow GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection in India.
Speaking at the workshop, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the importance of GNSS technology, stating, ‘GNSS technology enhances navigation and positioning, playing a crucial role in modernizing toll collection systems, ensuring seamless travel, and reducing congestion on our roads. We are continuously working towards easing citizens’ lives, making governance more transparent, and providing faster services.’
Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH, emphasized the broader vision, saying, ‘We are working to realize the vision of a developed India by 2047, and the implementation of GNSS will be one of the important steps towards that goal.’
Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman, NHAI, remarked, ‘Over the past decade, the road network has expanded manifold, and National Highways carry over 70% of the country’s freight along with passenger traffic. Implementing GNSS will immensely contribute not only towards the growth of our economy but will also make barrierless tolling a reality for our citizens.’
Global Navigation Satellite System
- The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling is a barrier-free method of Electronic Toll Collection where road users are charged based on the distance they have traveled on the tolled highway stretch.
- NHAI plans to implement the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially using a hybrid model where both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously.
- Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely.
- As GNSS-based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.
- The implementation of GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection in India is expected to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles along National Highways, providing numerous benefits such as barrierless free-flow tolling, hassle-free riding experiences, and distance-based tolling.
- Additionally, it will help plug leakages and check toll evaders, resulting in a more efficient toll collection system across the country.
