NEW DELHI, APRIL 18: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have categorically denied reports suggesting that a satellite-based tolling system would be introduced nationwide from May 1, 2025. Authorities clarified that no formal decision has been made to replace the current FASTag-based toll collection system with satellite-based technology.
Instead, the NHAI will implement an ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ at select toll plazas, aimed at facilitating faster and smoother movement of vehicles. This advanced tolling system will integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag system, which utilizes Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll payment.
In the upgraded system, vehicles will be automatically identified through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, enabling them to pass through toll plazas without halting. Toll charges will be deducted seamlessly. In cases of non-compliance, electronic reminders will be sent to offenders, and continued non-payment may result in suspension of FASTag accounts and additional penalties through the VAHAN system.
To kick off the process, NHAI has already floated tenders for deploying this barrier-free tolling system at specific toll plazas. The decision on expanding the system nationwide will be based on its efficiency, performance, and public feedback during the initial rollout phase.
The initiative is aimed at streamlining toll collection while significantly reducing travel time for commuters across the country.
