Transition to GNSS tolling is in works

What is GNSS Tolling?

GNSS tolling refers to a technology-based method of charging vehicles based on the distance they travel on toll roads, using satellite navigation systems to track vehicle movement. Unlike traditional toll booths and electronic toll collection (ETC) systems, GNSS tolling does not require physical infrastructure like toll plazas. Instead, vehicles are equipped with an on-board unit (OBU) that communicates with satellites to determine the exact distance traveled, and the toll is calculated accordingly.

This system offers several advantages:

• Seamless, barrier-free tolling: Vehicles no longer need to stop at toll plazas, reducing traffic congestion and fuel wastage.
• Pay-as-you-drive: Drivers are charged based on the distance they travel rather than flat fees, which is fairer and more efficient.
• Nationwide coverage: GNSS tolling is not limited to specific highways but can be applied to any road where tolling is required.

India’s Current Tolling System: FASTag

India currently uses the FASTag system for toll collection, a form of electronic toll collection (ETC). FASTag works through radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, where a tag affixed to the vehicle's windshield is scanned at toll booths, and the toll amount is automatically deducted from the linked bank account. While FASTag has significantly reduced wait times at toll plazas, challenges remain, such as traffic congestion at toll collection points and inefficiencies due to physical infrastructure limitations.

According to reports, FASTag’s adoption rate is high, with around 97% of toll plazas across national highways utilizing this technology. However, the need for a more scalable and efficient system has prompted the government to explore GNSS-based tolling.

The Rationale Behind the Transition

There are several reasons driving the government's decision to transition to GNSS tolling:

1. Reducing Traffic Congestion: Even with FASTag, traffic congestion still occurs at toll plazas, particularly during peak travel times. GNSS tolling eliminates the need for toll plazas altogether, allowing for free-flowing traffic without stoppages.

2. Fair and Efficient Pricing: GNSS tolling allows for distance-based tolling, meaning drivers are charged based on the exact kilometers they travel. This ensures fair pricing for all road users, especially those who use toll roads sparingly or only for short distances.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: With GNSS tolling, the government can introduce tolling on a wider range of roads, including smaller highways and city roads, without needing to build new infrastructure like toll booths. This could help in generating more revenue to maintain and develop road networks.

4. Fuel and Environmental Benefits: By removing the need to stop at toll plazas, GNSS tolling reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions. Vehicles will no longer waste fuel idling at toll booths, contributing to environmental sustainability.

5. Improved Revenue Collection: GNSS tolling ensures better transparency and accuracy in toll collection. Since the system automatically calculates the toll based on distance, there is less room for evasion or revenue leakage, a challenge that can sometimes occur with physical toll plazas or FASTag.

Timeline and Process

MoRTH is expected to start the bidding process for the GNSS tolling system in the last quarter of FY 2024. Several key aspects will be considered during the tender process, including the selection of technology providers, implementation partners, and service operators.

• Technology Providers: The core technology will revolve around GNSS-enabled OBUs that can track vehicles in real-time and communicate with satellite systems. These units will need to be scalable, secure, and compatible with different vehicle types.

• Implementation Partners: MoRTH will seek partners who can manage the rollout of GNSS tolling across India, ensuring that it integrates smoothly with the existing road infrastructure and complements ongoing projects such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which aims to build new highways and upgrade existing ones.

• Phased Rollout: The transition to GNSS tolling is expected to be rolled out in phases, beginning with high-traffic corridors and national highways. Eventually, the system could be expanded to state highways and urban roads.

Challenges and Considerations

While the GNSS tolling system offers numerous advantages, its implementation will not be without challenges. These include:

1. Technology Integration: The shift from FASTag to GNSS will require careful integration to ensure a smooth transition. Existing vehicles may need to be retrofitted with GNSS-compatible OBUs, and robust systems will be required to manage the vast amount of data generated by real-time tracking.

2. User Adoption: While FASTag adoption has been relatively successful, convincing drivers to switch to GNSS tolling may require targeted public awareness campaigns. Many drivers may be unfamiliar with how GNSS tolling works, and the government will need to ensure widespread availability and affordability of the necessary OBUs.

3. Privacy Concerns: GNSS tolling relies on satellite tracking, which may raise concerns about privacy and data security. The government will need to address these concerns by ensuring strict data protection protocols and transparency regarding how location data is used and stored.

4. Infrastructure Investment: While GNSS tolling does not require physical toll plazas, significant investments will still be needed to upgrade the digital infrastructure required for real-time tracking, data management, and toll collection. This will involve partnerships with technology firms, telecom operators, and financial institutions.

5. International Precedents: GNSS tolling has been successfully implemented in several countries, including Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, where it has proven effective in managing heavy vehicle tolls. India can draw on these international experiences to design and implement a system suited to its unique needs and challenges.

Potential Benefits for India

Once implemented, GNSS tolling is expected to have several long-term benefits for India:

• Reduced Congestion: Elimination of toll booths will reduce traffic bottlenecks, especially on busy national highways.

• Revenue Enhancement: More accurate and widespread toll collection can increase revenue for road maintenance and development.

• Sustainable Development: GNSS tolling aligns with India’s sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions by cutting down on fuel wastage at toll plazas.

• Enhanced Road Infrastructure: Increased revenue can be funneled back into infrastructure projects, improving the overall quality of the country’s road network.

The transition to GNSS tolling marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to modernize its road infrastructure and streamline toll collection. As the government prepares to invite bids in the last quarter of FY 2024, the implementation of this system could herald a new era of efficient, fair, and sustainable tolling. While challenges remain, the long-term benefits for India’s road network, economy, and environment are undeniable.