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Topic : India Moves Towards Satellite-Based Tolling System

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.