Satellite Tolling System Implementation To Be Delayed- FASTag System To Continue News24 –

Recognizing the growing concerns regarding the replacement of FASTag system by a satellite-based tolling system from May 1, The Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways (MORTH) on Friday issued a clarification refuting the said claims. An official statement from the Government department delineated how certain media outlets have been reporting that the Satellite-based Tolling system would be launched on May 1 2025 and would hence replace the FASTag system, the ministry further revealed that no such decision had been made. 

The statement further clarified, that no decision that could direct such actions has been taken by the department regarding the nationwide implementation of Satellite Based Tolling from May 1, 2025. 

Previous Report By The Ministry

Before this, the ministry had revealed that in order to enable seamless barrier free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time, ‘ANPR-FASTag based barrier-Less Tolling was to be implemented on several Toll Plazas. 

As per the report, the Advanced Tolling system would have combined ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology. Through this technology the toll plaza’s would be able to identify the vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Toll Collection. 

New age ANPR Cameras

Under the new scheme, vehicles would have been charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers without the need to stop at Toll Plazas. In case of Non compliance, E-Notices would be served to the violators, Non Payment of which may result in Suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties. 

Beyond other changes the NHAI has also invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag based barrier-less tolling system’ that would be installed at the selected Toll Plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency and user response to the system, a decision would be made regarding its implementation across the country.