End of FASTAG soon: Govt to introduce new toll collection system-GNSS
After introducing the FASTag system for faster payment of toll tax, the Indian Government is planning to roll out an even more advanced toll collection system called Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
The GNSS will fill all the limitations in the current FASTag that uses a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to automatically deduct toll as vehicles pass through toll booths.
With FASTag, the need for cash tracations at tolls and the consequent long queues have significantly reduced. However, there are still some cases of overcharging, toll evasion, and the persistence of congestion at certain toll plazas.
So, the government plans to adopt a more advanced toll payment system, which will be GNSS.
What is GNSS?
GNSS, which stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, will calculate toll charges by using real-time location tracking with help of satellites. GNSS will use satellites to monitor the toll tax according to the exact distance traveled by a vehicle on a toll road from entry to exit on a highway. In this way, the drivers will only pay for the precise distance they cover and will not be overcharged.
This shift from a fixed toll system to a distance-based one will mark a significant change in how tolls are calculated and collected. According to the government, rather than a flat fee that may not accurately reflect the distance traveled, GNSS charges drivers fairly as per their travel distance.
GNSS Benefits
GNSS will be beneficial to drivers who wants a hassle-free tolling experience. GNSS will hel the government to reduce the bottlenecks and queues on toll booths.
Additionally, GNSS offers a more secure and efficient toll collection method to government. It will ensure drivers are not overcharged for short trips as the toll charges will be based on the actual distance traveled.
The GNSS system operates using a combination of satellite technology and onboard units installed in vehicles. The system starts tracking a vehicle’s journey via satellite after after it enters a tolled road. When the vehicle exits the tolled section, the system calculates the total distance traveled.
The GNSS will be implementing the new system in phases. The government will release a hybrid model that will integrate GNSS with the existing FASTag technology.
The toll will be deducted automatically from a digital wallet linked to the vehicle’s registration. This completely eliminates the need for any manual transactions. This method of toll collection is already in use in several European countries, where it has proven to be highly effective.