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Union Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways introduced a satellite-based toll collection system

22 January 2025

Satellite-based toll collection system: The Minister of Roads, Transport, and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, introduced legislation to implement a satellite-based toll collection system for India’s highways. This system aims to improve toll revenue in the future. It will utilize satellite navigation technology, including India’s GAGAN system, known for its accuracy of around 10 meters. Vehicles will be equipped with an On-Board Unit (OBU) to ensure precise mapping and toll calculation.

Satellite-based toll collection system

As per the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways, the satellite-based toll collection system will use advanced technology to track vehicles on India’s national highways. It relies on the global navigation satellite system, including India’s own GAGAN system, known for its accuracy. Each vehicle will have an On-Board Unit (OBU) installed to ensure precise mapping and toll calculation.

Here’s how it works:

Coordinate Logging: The system will digitally capture the coordinates of the entire length of the national highways. This data forms the basis for toll calculation.
Toll Assignment: Toll rates are assigned based on the distance travelled by each vehicle. The system uses digital image processing and software algorithms to determine these rates.
Toll Calculation: Using the logged coordinates, the system calculates the toll amount for each vehicle. It factors in the distance travelled and the assigned toll rates.

Challenges include:

Recovering toll from non-payment or system manipulation.
Implementing Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems nationwide.
Ensuring data security and privacy.
Enforcing compliance through gantries equipped with CCTV cameras.

The system will complement existing FASTags, which use radio frequency identification for toll collection. Both systems will operate together, with OBUs offering lower costs and improved efficiency.