Electronic Toll Plaza: There’s no longer a need to stop your vehicle at a toll plaza. The new FASTag and ANPR-based system will identify the vehicle in motion and deduct the toll directly from your account.
Electronic Toll Plaza: You’ve often seen long lines at toll plazas to pay tolls. And if you travel on routes with high traffic, you’ll have to wait for a long time. Long lines and hours of waiting at toll booths are about to end. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that toll booths across the country will be removed next year and replaced by a smart electronic system.
You won’t need to stop your vehicle, and the toll will be automatically deducted. This will save time, reduce fuel consumption, and make highway travel faster and easier. This change is set to be a game-changer for millions of travelers. Let’s explain how the new system will work.
How will toll be collected under the new system?
The government is soon implementing a multi-lane, free-flow electronic toll collection system across the country. It will be completely barrier-free. It will use RFID-based FASTags and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) along with AI technology.
The FASTag will remain on your vehicle’s windshield, and the toll will be deducted from the linked account. While ANPR cameras will scan your number plate and identify you using AI to deduct the toll. Even if the FASTag doesn’t work, the system will still recognize the vehicle and deduct the toll automatically.
NPCI NETC Platform and Testing
NPCI’s NETC platform integrates toll collection across the country into a single unified system. In the new electronic system, FASTag and ANPR will be linked to this platform. The government initially tested it at 10 toll plazas, where the results were good. In the next phase, it is being implemented at selected plazas, and after successful testing, it will gradually expand across the country.
Common people will benefit
The biggest advantage of this new system for travelers is that there will no longer be a need to stop at toll plazas. Vehicles will proceed without stopping, saving fuel and eliminating the hassle of long lines. Traffic will be smooth, saving time, and making travel comfortable. The hassles of honking, congestion, and toll booths will be eliminated. This will make highway travel faster, easier, and stress-free than ever before.
