In a significant move to streamline toll collection and enhance convenience for motorists, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government is considering the introduction of monthly and yearly toll passes for private vehicles on national highways. This initiative aims to simplify the toll payment process and reduce congestion at toll plazas.
Currently, private vehicles contribute approximately 26% of the total toll revenue, with the remaining 74% coming from commercial vehicles. Recognizing the comparatively lower contribution from private vehicles, the government believes that implementing a pass system could offer a more efficient and user-friendly alternative for regular highway users.
The proposed system would allow private vehicle owners to purchase a monthly or yearly pass, granting them unlimited access to national highways during the validity period. This approach is expected to not only ease the financial burden on frequent travelers but also significantly reduce waiting times at toll plazas, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience.
In addition to the pass system, the government is exploring the implementation of a barrier-less Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system. This advanced technology aims to eliminate the need for physical toll booths by enabling automatic toll deduction based on the exact distance traveled by a vehicle on the highway. A pilot study for the GNSS-based user fee collection system has already been conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana.
The GNSS-based system is anticipated to further reduce traffic congestion and waiting times at toll plazas. During the 2018-19 period, the average waiting time for vehicles at toll plazas was eight minutes. With the introduction of FASTags during 2020-21 and 2021-22, this waiting time was reduced to 47 seconds. However, in densely populated areas and near cities, delays still occur during peak hours. The adoption of GNSS technology is expected to address these challenges by facilitating seamless toll collection without the need for vehicles to stop.
Furthermore, the government is considering measures to detect and penalize overweight trucks. Plans are underway to install cameras capable of detecting the weight of trucks, ensuring that vehicles exceeding the permissible weight limits are fined promptly. This initiative aims to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with regulations.
The introduction of monthly and yearly toll passes, along with the adoption of GNSS-based toll collection and stricter enforcement measures, reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s highway infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to provide a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly experience for all highway users, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
As these proposals are still under consideration, further details regarding the pricing and implementation timelines of the toll passes and GNSS-based system are awaited. Motorists are advised to stay informed through official channels for updates on these developments.
