CIOInsider India Magazine
No More FASTag? What is GPS-Based Toll Collection?
India is set to roll out a groundbreaking upgrade to toll collection on national highways starting May 1. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) intends to move from the FASTag system to a GPS-based toll collection method, to improve the efficiency, speed, and transparency of road travel as government is preparing to make road travel even smoother with the introduction of a new GPS-based toll collection system. In this context, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is getting ready to move away from the widely used FASTag system and will adopt an advanced satellite-driven model that determines tolls based on the distance a vehicle has travelled. Let’s explore the GPS-based toll collection system further.
GPS-Based Toll Collection
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will soon take the place of FASTags, which have been operational since 2016. While FASTags improved the speed of toll payments, technical issues at toll booths still caused delays and long lines. In addition, this system has encountered numerous glitches and complaints, highlighting the necessity for a more effective upgrade. Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in Nagpur that the GNSS-based system will be launched by the end of April. After some postponements, it was initially scheduled to start on April 1. Now, the government intends to commence the rollout within the next 15 days.
How does the GNSS-Based Toll System Work?
The GNSS system utilizes GPS along with GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) to accurately monitor vehicles and charge users based on the precise distance traveled on highways. Unlike the existing toll system that depends on fixed booths to charge a standard fee irrespective of distance, GNSS provides a more adaptable and equitable solution. It also benefits the government by reducing toll evasion and ensuring users are not overcharged.
With this system, users’ positions will be accurately tracked using GNSS, and toll fees will be automatically deducted from a digital wallet associated with their account as per the distance traveled. In the beginning, the GNSS system will operate in conjunction with the current Fastag infrastructure, with certain toll lanes modified to support the new technology. As more users adopt it, entire toll plazas will be upgraded to be compatible with GNSS. Trials are already in progress, featuring GNSS-enabled capabilities on the Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar National Highways.
Why is India launching a GNSS-based Toll System?
FASTag has contributed to decreased waiting periods at toll plazas, but it has encountered a variety of technical problems. The primary concerns included lengthy lines, technical malfunctions, and improper use of tags. In response to these technical challenges, the NHAI is now considering a transition to a satellite-supported toll system.
GNSS-Based Toll System Help Commuters?
• It will decrease wait times by eliminating the necessity to halt at booths.
• It will minimize human errors and lessen the likelihood of fraud.
• It will facilitate a smoother and touchless driving experience.
Facts FASTag Users Must Know
• Keep using FASTag until April 30, 2025.
• Starting May 1, affix a government-approved GPS device in your vehicle.
• Next, connect your bank account to the new system.
• Once fully onboarded, take off your FASTag sticker.
More about Global Navigation Satellite System
The GNSS comprises a network of satellites that send out timing and orbital data utilized for navigation and positioning. Satellites transmit signals indicating their location at a specific time, which is then used to ascertain the location on Earth. By performing intricate trilateration calculations, the device determines the position based on its relation to at least four satellites. GNSS encompasses more than just the satellites orbiting the Earth. The various groups of satellites referred to as constellations, send signals to master control stations and GNSS users worldwide. These three components – space, control, and user – are all integral to GNSS. However, the term GNSS is most commonly used to define the orbiting satellites in space. The space segment consists of GNSS constellations that orbit at altitudes ranging from 20,000 to 37,000 kilometers above the Earth.
Tech firms are reevaluating their approach since the existing GNSS chips in smartphones are not suitable for all IoT devices
Tech firms are reevaluating their approach since the existing GNSS chips in smartphones are not suitable for all IoT devices. This is since smartphones generally receive daily charging, which keeps the GNSS receivers sufficiently powered. They are equipped with high-performance processors and are continuously operational. Moreover, the price of smartphones, which is acceptable at several hundred dollars, makes individuals less likely to invest the same amount in a smartwatch or a smart backpack.
Also Read: Is Starlink Bringing an Internet Revolution to India?
The transport sector employs GNSS extensively, including rail, aviation, and marine transportation. In rail transport, it allows for tracking the positions of all locomotives and cars, mapping the locations of other trains, and reducing accidents and delays. Without GNSS, pilots would be disoriented in the sky. From takeoff to navigation through unseen weather conditions and landing, GNSS systems direct the entire aviation framework. The same holds true for marine transport, where captains can determine their precise location and direction using GNSS-enabled methods.
