Starting on May 1, the center will switch from the FASTag system to GPS-based toll collection.

 In a major development to enhance toll collection and travel convenience on national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will introduce a GPS-based toll system from May 1. The move will progressively displace the current FASTag system, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced.

The new toll policy, to be implemented across the country in the next 15 days, vows to provide a faster and time-efficient alternative to the present toll collection system. This system will charge users only for the distance covered on toll roads, with the help of an on-board GPS unit fitted in cars. This device will use the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to monitor the distance traveled, and the associated toll amount will be automatically debited from the user’s connected digital wallet.

One of the primary benefits of this new approach is its distance-based charging mechanism, which contrasts with the fixed-rate system currently in place. The elimination of toll booths from highways is anticipated to alleviate congestion and reduce delays for motorists. Additionally, the real-time tracking feature is expected to minimize billing errors, according to the Ministry.

Originally scheduled to be rolled out on April 1, the rollout was deferred to switch over from the US-based GPS to India’s indigenous GNSS. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will implement it, beginning with commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, and followed by private cars in later stages

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