Nitin Gadkari announces GPS-based toll collection system implementation by 2024
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New Delhi, Dec 21: In a significant development, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, informed plans to introduce a GPS-based toll collection system across the country by March next year. The move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and charging motorists for the exact distance travelled on the highways.
"The government is looking at new technologies, including GPS-based toll systems to replace toll plazas in the country we will start newGPS satellite-based toll collection across the country by March next year," he said at an event here.
Gadkari outlined the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies during an address on Wednesday stating the implementation of GPS-based toll systems, within existing highway toll plazas. The primary objective is to streamline traffic flow and implement a dynamic fee structure that corresponds precisely to the distance travelled by drivers on highways.
Additionally, he highlighted the successful execution of two pilot projects involving automatic number plate recognition systems. These projects facilitate seamless toll collection by leveraging automatic number plate reader cameras, eliminating the need for vehicles to halt at toll checkpoints on highways.
Alongside technological advancements, Gadkari emphasized a significant investment of 1.5-2 lakh crore rupees in constructing highways spanning less than 1000 km through a partnership between the private sector and the government.
During 2018-19, the average waiting time for vehicles at toll plaza was 8 minutes. With the introduction of FASTags during 2020-21 and 2021-22, the average waiting time of the vehicles was reduced to 47 seconds.
Although there is considerable improvement in waiting time at certain locations, especially near cities, in densely-populated towns, there are still some delays at toll plazas during peak hours.
Expressing confidence in India's potential, Gadkari lauded the nation's achievement of setting seven world records in road construction. He asserted, "The road network of our country will match the quality of America's roads in every aspect within five years."