Satellite Based Tolling System | Recently in the news, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is going to launch an ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System in selected toll plazas as a testing phase. The implementation will offer seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time. The ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System consist of cameras with AI technology to read the number plate of vehicles in real time, FASTag (RFID-based Tag) and a barrier-less system.
The ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties.
NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of the ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country.
Satellite based Tolling System
Not currently, but India may explore the Satellite Based Tolling System in future, as back in 2024, NHAI has issued a global request for expressions of interest to adopt Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based tolling across India’s toll roads.
Countries in Europe like Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Hungary, Belgium, Poland and Czechia have already adopted the GNSS-based tolling. Switzerland was the first of these nations to use GNSS, implementing it in 2001 for all vehicles over 3.5 tons, while Czechia was the latest in 2020 for heavy goods vehicles on highways and selected roads.
Let’s understand what the GNSS system is and how it works in the toll collection system.
What is GNSS and GPS?
GNSS, or Global Navigation Satellite System, is a network of satellites placed accordingly that broadcast time, position and navigation to connected devices or sensors on the earth. While the difference between GPS and GNSS is often misunderstood. GPS is a type of GNSS owned by the United States. GPS comes under the GNSS system. GNSS consist of multiple constellations of satellites from various countries and organisations, which provide a more extensive network. GNSS includes the GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU and other regional systems. GPS consist of up to 32 MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites or specific satellites placed in 6 different orbital planes for navigation.
How does FASTag work?
Fastag is a sticker based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which is placed on the windscreen of the vehicle. When the vehicle passes through the toll plaza, the scanner reads the Fastag and deducts money from the account. Fastag is linked to your account, which you have to recharge from time to time, in this technology money is not deducted directly from your account.
It takes some time to scan, which means you have to stop at the toll booth every time.
How does GNSS-based Toll work?
This system, with the help of GNSS technology, tracks the vehicle movement and calculates the toll according to the distance covered. The on-board unit is installed in the vehicle that establishes a connection with the GNSS satellite to track the vehicle’s movement. It monitors the distance covered by the vehicle and calculates toll based on it. The calculated toll is automatically deducted from the linked payment method.
What is the difference between FASTag and GNSS-based toll collection?
Method of toll collection – Currently, the toll deducted from vehicle is collected through RFID technology, but after the implementation of GNSS TOLL SYSTEM, the toll will be collected through satellite system tracking, which will save both your time and fuel.
Stopping time – At present, one has to stop a vehicle for the Fastag based toll, but on the GNSS based toll system, the toll will be deducted without stopping.
Device – At the Fastag based toll, a tag is put on the windshield of the vehicle for toll scanning, but on the GNSS based toll system, toll will be deducted through GPS installed on vehicle.
Maintenance – There is a problem of tag blocking in Fastag based toll, whereas on the GNSS based toll system, you need to update the software from time to time.
What are the Benefits of GNSS GNSS-based toll System?
Increasing traffic speed – this will help in avoiding stopping at toll plazas.
Increasing transparency – With the implementation of automatic system, the possibility of corruption will decrease.
Saving fuel and time – You will not have to stop repeatedly on GNSS-based Toll System, which will save your fuel and time.
One Nation, One Toll Vision – With GNSS based Toll System, a uniform system will be implemented across the country.
Conclusion
The Satellite Based Tolling System collection system is a revolutionary technology that changes the way vehicles cover distances. It is the most advanced system which reduces traffic congestion at toll points and delays and is cost-effective as you pay only travelled miles.
