NHAI invites bids for satellite-based toll collection system
NHAI invites bids for satellite-based toll collection system
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is moving forward with plans to implement a satellite-based toll collection system and has invited global companies to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) for developing the system in India.
The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by NHAI, issued a statement announcing the call for EOIs from qualified companies to create and implement a GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. This move aims to provide highway users with a seamless and barrier-free tolling experience.
NHAI plans to integrate the GNSS-based ETC system within the existing FASTag ecosystem through a hybrid model that will initially use both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC simultaneously. Dedicated GNSS lanes will eventually be converted exclusively to GNSS lanes.
The GNSS-based technology involves using satellite-based GPS imaging on vehicles to determine the toll charges based on the exact distance traveled by motorists on the highways. Toll payments will be collected automatically via satellite, with deductions made from bank accounts linked to the vehicle number plates. Automatic number plate reader (ANPR) cameras installed on highways will facilitate the identification process.
Under this system, tolls will be deducted based on the distance measured by ANPR technology, eliminating the need for toll plazas. Currently, the FASTag system facilitates electronic payment at toll plazas via scanners, allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping. The new GNSS-based system aims to streamline this process further by making toll plazas redundant.
