Daily Hot Topic
Topic : India Moves Towards Satellite-Based Tolling System
GS-3 Mains : Science and Technology
Revision Notes
What’s Happening:
- The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) is seeking companies to develop and implement a satellite-based toll collection system for national highways.
Why the Change?
- This initiative aims to create a seamless and hassle-free experience for highway users by eliminating toll plazas and gantries.
- The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) based tolling system promises smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and improved user experience.
How it Works:
- GNSS technology uses satellites to track vehicles and calculate tolls based on their location.
- This eliminates the need for vehicles to slow down or change lanes at toll booths.
- The system offers flexibility for future expansion without requiring additional physical infrastructure.
Benefits of GNSS Tolling:
- Saves time and money by removing the need for toll plazas and gantries.
- Enables implementation of variable toll rates based on factors like distance, time, and vehicle type.
- Facilitates smoother traffic flow and reduces congestion.
- Opens doors for future value-added services like real-time traffic updates and emergency notifications.
Implementation and Examples:
- GNSS tolling is already used in several European countries for trucks exceeding 3.5 tons.
- India’s system will likely follow a similar model initially.
Privacy Concerns:
- GNSS technology raises privacy concerns regarding user data collection.
- The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a framework to address these concerns.
On-Board Unit (OBU):
- An OBU is a device installed in vehicles that communicates with satellites and roadside systems.
- It collects and transmits data for various applications, including toll collection and navigation.
Phased Approach with FASTag Integration
- The rollout will initially use a hybrid model, combining existing RFID-based FASTag with GNSS technology.
- This ensures compatibility with current FASTag users while enabling a smooth transition to GNSS.
What is FASTag?
- FASTag is a prepaid radio frequency toll collection system in India.
- It allows automatic toll deductions for vehicles passing through toll plazas without stopping.
- FASTag offers benefits like cashless payments, online recharge, real-time transaction alerts, and a long validity period.
GNSS Lanes and Future Expansion
- Dedicated lanes will be created at toll plazas for GNSS-equipped vehicles.
- Over time, all lanes will be converted to GNSS lanes for complete system integration.
Robust Software is Key
- The EOI seeks experienced companies to develop a scalable and reliable toll charger software.
- This software will be the backbone of the GNSS ETC system, handling toll collection and management functions.
Comprehensive Implementation Plan
- The EOI invites proposals for a detailed plan to implement GNSS-based ETC across National Highways.
- Companies can propose innovative solutions to optimize system deployment and operation.
Benefits of GNSS-Based ETC
- Seamless Tolling: Eliminates toll plaza barriers for smoother traffic flow and a better driving experience.
- Distance-Based Tolling: Users pay only for the distance traveled on National Highways, ensured by satellite technology.
- Efficient Toll Collection: Improves accuracy and efficiency of toll collection, reduces revenue leaks, and deters toll evasion.
- Enhanced Commuter Experience: Promotes safer, more convenient, and economically prosperous journeys on National Highways.