FASTags Likely To Go As Govt Works On Satellite-Based New Toll System

Pilot project for the new system is already being done across the country on 1.37 lakh vehicles

Currently, toll amount is paid for the distance from one toll centre to another toll centre. Image: Getty

Source : Getty

New Delhi: FASTag, the system used for collecting tolls from vehicles, could be abolished as the central government is planning to roll out a new system for toll collection.

According to a report in The Statesman, the government will now use the satellite navigation system for collecting tolls, replacing the FASTag system. Quoting sources, the newspaper reported that the pilot project for the new system is already being executed across the country.

About 1.37 lakh vehicles have been covered across the country under this project.

Sources have confirmed to ABP LIVE that a pilot is in on but said the system may not be implemented very soon. 

So, what’s new in the system?

For vehicles plying on national highways or expressways, tolls will now be deducted according to the number of kilometres the vehicle travels. The more kilometres the vehicle goes on the highway, the more toll will be charged.

This system is operational in European countries and it is quite successful in those countries, the report said. The government has decided to implement it in India replacing the existing FASTag method.

Currently, toll amount is paid for the distance from one toll centre to another toll centre. From now on, toll will be charged for the kilometre one travels. Now, travellers pay the whole amount of the toll. If someone’s journey is being completed somewhere in the middle before reaching the next toll station, still the individual has to pay the full amount. The new system will only charge money for the distance an individual has travelled. Under the new system, the tax calculation starts as soon as the vehicle enters the tolled road.

The toll system will be the same as that of FASTag.

However, before implementing the new process, it is needed to change the transport policy as well. So, transport experts from Russia and South Korea are preparing some necessary measures for the upcoming system. The report could be released in the next few weeks.