GPS-Based Toll System to Be Operational by 2026 End
India will roll out a nationwide GPS-based toll collection system by the end of 2026, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said. The new system is aimed at replacing physical toll plazas and eliminating traffic congestion caused by stop-and-pay tolling on national highways.
How the New Toll System Will Work
The upcoming toll mechanism will use satellite navigation, GPS tracking and advanced data analytics to automatically calculate toll charges based on the distance travelled by a vehicle. Unlike the current booth-based FASTag system, vehicles will not be required to slow down or stop for toll deductions. Charges will be deducted seamlessly as vehicles move at highway speeds, enabling true multi-lane free-flow travel.
Benefits for Commuters and the Economy
According to the government, the shift to GPS-based tolling will significantly reduce travel time, fuel wastage and pollution. Vehicles currently lose fuel while idling in queues at toll plazas, a problem the new system aims to eliminate entirely. The ministry estimates substantial annual fuel savings and improved logistics efficiency once the system is fully operational.
Impact on Toll Revenue and Compliance
The automated nature of the GPS-based system is also expected to reduce toll evasion and human error. Authorities believe this will result in higher and more accurate toll revenue collection. The system will initially be implemented on national highways, with further expansion depending on performance and operational stability.
Transition from FASTag to Satellite Tolling
FASTag will continue to operate during the transition phase. Over time, physical toll plazas are expected to be phased out as satellite-based tracking becomes the primary method for toll collection. The government has indicated that contractors and operators failing to meet performance standards under the new framework may face penalties.
