India is aiming to embrace a satellite-navigation-driven toll collection method shortly. This progressive technology seeks to make transportation and travelling across India an easier and hassle-free activity. 

Recently, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited global expressions of interest for the development and implementation of GNSS-based technology.  Let us read more about this initiative. 

What Is a GNSS-Based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System?

GNSS-based electronic tolling collection (ETC) is a method of collecting road charges and taxes by employing satellite technology. It works by adding sensors inside automobiles and vehicles. The employing of this system simplifies the tolling process and also averts the need to install and maintain roadside infrastructure, otherwise needed for toll collection. 

It is a barrier-free mode of collection that ensures a seamless flow of traffic and minimum blockages on the roads. It tracks vehicle movement and calculates the deductible tax based on the distance covered or travelled. Advanced readers are installed to read such sensors and deduct tax. 

This method of tolling is currently in use in Germany, Russia and Slovakia respectively. India is aiming to implement this method in furtherance of its vision of creating a developed India by 2047. The method will initially be implemented for commercial vehicles only. 

Benefits of GNSS-Based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System

The benefits being eyed by the government of India with regards to the GNSS-based ETC scheme are as follows:

• Smooth Movement: The national highways will be ensured with a well-facilitated and hassle-free riding experience. The flow of traffic would be smooth.

• Increase in Revenue: The government has predicted the generation of Rs 10,000 Crores in revenue from the implementation of the GNSS system. Leakages and thefts from the tolling systems would be entirely averted with its implementation. 

• Distance-based Tolling: The GNSS-ETC system will be operative on a distance-tolling basis. The toll will be deducted based on the distance travelled by a vehicle. This would prove to be an economic exercise for the taxpayers as well. 

Implementation Of GNSS-Based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System In India

The implementation of the GNSS-ETC system in India is presently being discussed and expressions of interest have been invited globally. The framed mechanism of the system is as follows:

• It will only be implemented for commercial and large-scale vehicles in the beginning mostly involving trucks and freight carriers. 

• The scheme will be implemented in a phased manner. It will initially cover 4000-5000 kilometres, 10,000 kilometres within 9 months and eventually cover 50,000 kilometres. 

• It will be integrated with the existing RFID-based Fastag tolling system. The GNSS and RFID systems will work in consonance. 

• Different dedicated GNSS lanes will be created to ensure seamless flow and decongestion of traffic. 

Conclusion

The implementation of GNSS-based ETC will promote India towards competitive development with the world. The revenue generation will further aid the process of development and growth. It is a lead towards an efficient and equitable tolling system in India. 

You can call on National Highway Helpline Number 1033 for related queries.