The total length of National Highways in India is around 1.5 Lakh km. India currently uses FASTag, based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.
Passive RFID tagRFID readers
Advantages of FASTag-Based Electronic Tolling
Reduced Congestion – Minimises stoppages, reduces queueing, and cuts travel time
Continuous movement lowers Fuel Consumption & Emissions
Improved Revenue Realisation- Eliminates leakages, cash handling issues, and human errors.
Better Traffic Management due to real-time vehicle data – enhances logistics efficiency.
Digital Financial Inclusion –Promotes cashless payments and creates digital transaction footprint
Limitations of the Current FASTag System
RFID Reading Errors- Faulty tags or improper placement cause delays.
Congestion during peak hours.
Bank downtime results in payment failures and traffic jams.
Fraud & Misuse- Cloning of RFID tags, misuse of blacklisted/invalid tags.
Inadequate adaption – Eg- non availability in rural areas
Proposed Changes to Make Tolling Seamless
Expansion of ETC lanes – 100% coverage by 2025
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)-Based Tolling
GPS-based – Vehicles fitted with GPS devices and toll are charged based on the distance travelled on a highway.
Free-Flow Tolling (FFT) Corridors – open road tolling for uninterrupted movement.
Integration with NHAI’s ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ Drive
Potential Hazards in Transition to New Tolling Systems
Privacy & Surveillance Concerns – Eg- Continuous GPS tracking and ANPR imaging
Cybersecurity Risks- vulnerability to hacking, spoofing, or data breaches.
ANPR systems may misread plates due to dirt, or damaged plates.
Digital Divide – Eg- 33% rural population is digitally literate (NFHS-5)
Technical Failures- Weather, fog, rain etc can affect ANPR accuracy and system reliability.
Replacing toll plazas with nationwide FFT infrastructure requires massive investment.
Addressing these concerns can ensure efficient, seamless, congestion-free highways.