NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The Centre on Tuesday issued a notification for the implementation of toll collection on highways and expressways through a satellite-based and barrier-free method.
The notification issued for the first time said the toll could be collected through a ‘Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit’ or any such device or Automatic Number Plate Recognition Device or FASTag or any combination thereof. The rules say the new system will be non-transferable and firmly fitted device in a vehicle linked to Global Navigation Satellite System based user fee collection.
The new rules say an exclusive lane can be earmarked for Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit fitted vehicle and in case vehicle enters such lane, without a valid, functional Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit, it shall pay a fee equivalent to two times of the user fee applicable at that fee plaza.
Speaking at an event earlier this year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said the newly proposed satellite-based tolls would not just modernise the entire system but also ensure seamless travel and reduce congestion on roads as the technology would enhance navigation and positioning.
Implementing GNSS will make barrier-less tolling a reality as under this system there will be Electronic Toll Collection wherein the road users are charged on the distance they have travelled on the tolled Highway stretch. Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. As GNSS based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.
The GNSS based Electronic Toll Collection will also help to plug leakages and check toll evaders resulting in more efficient toll collection system across the country.
The new rules say that a driver, owner or person in-charge of a mechanical vehicle other than National Permit vehicle who makes use of the same section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, shall be levied a zero-user fee up to 20 kilometres of journey in each direction in a day under Global Navigation Satellite System-based user fee collection system. If the distance travelled is more than 20 kilometres then fee will be charged for actual distance travelled, the new rules say.
(Manas Dasgupta)
