New Delhi5 days ago
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Once the new system is fully implemented, the toll tax is expected to increase to Rs 1.4 lakh crore.
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based toll collection system has been implemented in the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued new rules for this on Tuesday.
According to this, private vehicles equipped with GNSS will not be charged any fee for a distance of up to 20 km per day on the national highway. If they travel more than 20 km, they will be charged toll for that distance.
Only those vehicles will benefit which are equipped with GNSS. Their number is less right now, so this system will work on hybrid mode for now. That means toll collection will continue through cash, fastag and automatic number plate recognition.
Trial run took place on Mysore and Panipat highway Trial runs were conducted on Bengaluru-Mysore Highway (NH-275) and Panipat-Hisar (NH-709) for toll collection through GNSS. Apart from this, there is currently no dedicated lane for GNSS anywhere in the country. To make vehicles GNSS enabled, an on-board unit (OBU) or tracking device will have to be installed.
Everything you need to know
- According to highway experts, after the implementation of GNSS, as soon as the vehicle reaches the highway, its entry point will be the toll gate. The meter will start as soon as it touches the highway. Local people are allowed to travel 20 km from the toll gate. Toll counting will start from the 21st kilometer.
- Some lanes at every toll will be dedicated to GNSS, so that only vehicles with GNSS can pass through that lane.
- For the new system, all vehicles must have a GNSS onboard unit. Currently, it is available only in those new vehicles that have a panic button for emergency help. This system will have to be installed in all other vehicles.
- Like Fastag, On-Board Units (OBU) will also be available through the government portal. They will be installed on vehicles. The toll will be deducted from the bank account linked to it.
- The cost of installing OBU in a car/truck is around Rs 4,000, which the vehicle owner will have to bear.
- Once all vehicles are fitted with GNSS units and all lanes are GNSS enabled, all toll booths will be completely removed from the roads.
- NHAI gets toll revenue of around Rs 40,000 crore annually. This is expected to increase to Rs 1.4 lakh crore after the new system is fully implemented.
- Expressions of Interest were invited to implement GNSS. Based on these applications, Request for Tenders are now being issued.
What is GNSS? GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping of all national highways in the country has been done. Unlike Fastag, GNSS works on satellite-based technology. This ensures accurate tracking. It uses GPS and India’s GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system to calculate toll.