Get GNSS Fixed In Car, Travel 20 Kms ‘Toll Free’ On Highways: Government

India is making a shift to GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) from the FASTag system. Motorists with vehicles equipped with GNSS can now enjoy toll-free travel for up to 20 kilometres, daily on highways and expressways in India. This policy, has been introduced through amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. According to the new rules, vehicles fitted with GNSS will not be charged any toll fees for the first 20 kilometres of their journey, and charges will only apply beyond this distance. This applies to all mechanical vehicles except those with a National Permit.

Additionally, exclusive lanes may be designated for vehicles fitted with on-board GNSS units. If a vehicle without a valid GNSS On-Board Unit enters these lanes, it will incur a penalty fee, double the standard toll rate. The new system is being piloted on the Bengaluru-Mysore section (NH-275) and Panipat-Hisar section (NH-709) in Haryana​. As part of the transition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to integrate GNSS into the existing FASTag infrastructure, using a hybrid model where both RFID-based and GNSS-based tolling systems will coexist and function simultaneously.

The GNSS-based system will bring about smoother movement of vehicles on highways and expressways and minimize confusion. It will realise barrier-less free-flow tolling and more efficient toll collection as evading GNSS will be nearly impossible.

FASTag And Its Limitations

FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based toll collection system that makes deductions when vehicles pass through toll booths. It has significantly reduced the reliance on cash transactions and minimized long queues, making toll collection more efficient. However, it has reported issues such as overcharging, toll evasion, and congestion at specific toll plazas… These challenges have prompted the government to seek a more sophisticated solution- the GNSS.

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and represents a significant advancement in toll collection technology. Unlike the traditional FASTag system, which relies on fixed toll locations and vehicle classifications to determine toll charges, GNSS employs real-time location tracking.

This technology enables tolls to be calculated based on the exact distance travelled by a vehicle on a toll road. It uses satellites to monitor a vehicle’s journey from the moment it enters a toll highway until it exits. This system ensures that drivers are only billed for the distance they actually cover.

The transition from a fixed toll system to a distance-based one represents a major shift in how tolls are calculated and collected. GNSS offers a more equitable solution, ensuring that drivers are charged fairly based on their actual road usage. The government believes that this system provides a superior alternative to the traditional flat fee model, which may not accurately reflect the distance travelled.

Advantages of GNSS

As you may already know, GNSS is poised to deliver a multitude of benefits for both consumers and the government. For drivers, the most apparent advantage is the promise of a seamless tolling experience. By eliminating the need for traditional toll booths, GNSS is set to alleviate the bottlenecks and queues that can still arise, even with the FASTag system.

Furthermore, GNSS will ensure toll charges are based on actual distance travelled, eliminating the risk of drivers being overcharged for short trips. For the government, GNSS represents a more secure and efficient method of toll collection.

The satellite-based system significantly reduces the likelihood of toll evasion, a persistent issue with the current system. Additionally, the data collected by GNSS can be leveraged to enhance traffic management and infrastructure planning. This data provides valuable insights into traffic patterns and road usage, enabling more informed decisions in these areas.

How Does GNSS Work?

The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) work by integrating satellite technology with onboard units in vehicles. As a vehicle passes through a tolled road, the system initiates tracking its journey via satellites. Upon exiting the tolled area, the system calculates the total distance covered.

The toll is automatically deducted from a digital wallet associated with the vehicle’s registration, eliminating the necessity for manual transactions. This toll-collection method is currently in practice in several European countries, where it has demonstrated its effectiveness.