GNSS Vehicles to Enjoy Toll-Free Highway Travel Up to 20km Daily

Motorists with vehicles equipped with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) can now travel toll-free on highways and expressways for up to 20 kilometres daily. This change, effective from Tuesday, follows a government notification. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the National Highways Fee Determination of Rates and Collection Rules, 2008.

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New Toll Collection Rules

The updated regulations, named the National Highways Fee Determination of Rates and Collection Amendment Rules, 2024, stipulate that fees will be charged based on the actual distance travelled if it exceeds 20 kilometres. According to the notification, drivers or owners of mechanical vehicles, excluding National Permit vehicles, will not be charged for the first 20 kilometres in each direction under the GNSS-based user fee collection system.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned that a pilot study for a GNSS-based user fee collection system was conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. Gadkari also noted that an international workshop was held on June 25, 2024, for stakeholder consultation, and a global expression of interest (EOI) was invited on June 7, 2024, with submissions due by July 22, 2024.

Implementation and Benefits

The highway ministry had previously announced in July that it would initially implement a GNSS-based toll collection system on select national highways as a pilot project alongside FASTag. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to integrate the GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag framework. Initially, both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously using a hybrid model.

The ministry highlighted several benefits of the GNSS-based toll collection system. It is expected to facilitate smooth vehicle movement along national highways by enabling barrier-less free-flow tolling. This system will also allow distance-based tolling, where users pay only for the distance travelled on a national highway. Additionally, it aims to enhance toll collection efficiency by reducing leakages and curbing toll evasion.

An exclusive lane may be designated for vehicles fitted with a functional GNSS On-Board Unit. Vehicles entering this lane without a valid GNSS On-Board Unit will be required to pay twice the applicable user fee at that fee plaza.

The implementation of this new system is anticipated to provide a hassle-free riding experience for highway users. By charging based on actual distance travelled beyond 20 kilometres, it ensures fairer toll charges for motorists.

This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising India's toll collection infrastructure. It aims to improve efficiency and user convenience while addressing issues related to toll evasion and revenue leakages.