What's The Status Of India's Satellite-Based Tolling Plans?
The Indian government has put its ambitious satellite-based highway toll collection system on hold, citing security, privacy, and operational concerns. Instead, authorities are moving towards a corridor-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) FASTag system for barrier-free toll collection.
A high-level expert committee, comprising industry and academic specialists, has reviewed the satellite-based tolling proposal and recommended further deliberations before implementation. The committee concluded that additional satellite constellations are needed to improve positional accuracy, along with specialised receivers to ensure reliable satellite signal reception.
The government had initially proposed using Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, as an alternative to the American GPS for seamless travel on national highways. However, due to technical limitations, the current system is not fully operational for tolling purposes. Authorities are still assessing the additional requirements needed before moving towards satellite-based toll collection.
While satellite tolling remains under review, the government is pressing ahead with a pilot project for a barrier-free tolling system at selected locations. A request for proposals has been floated to implement the system at toll plazas in Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), and Dwarka Expressway. If successful, the project could be expanded in phases across the country.
The shift to barrier-free tolling aims to eliminate congestion at toll plazas, reduce travel time, and improve overall efficiency in highway management. While satellite tolling remains a long-term goal, the ANPR-based system is currently the preferred approach for modernising India’s toll infrastructure.
These details were provided by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari while responding to questions asked by Lok Sabha members in the Parliament on Thursday regarding satellite-based highway toll collection system.
