No more journey halts as India to roll out GPS-based toll collection by March '24: How it works

The government is set to implement new technologies, including GPS-based toll collection systems, by March next year, replacing the current highway toll plazas, announced Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday. Speaking at an event, Gadkari mentioned that the government is exploring GPS-based toll systems to replace toll plazas in the country and aims to initiate new GPS satellite-based toll collection nationwide by March next year.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways highlighted that his ministry has conducted two pilot projects involving an automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR cameras) to facilitate automated toll collection without requiring vehicles to come to a halt.

The objective is to alleviate traffic congestion and institute a system where motorists are charged based on the precise distance covered on highways.


In the fiscal year 2018-19, vehicles faced an average waiting time of 8 minutes at toll plazas. With the introduction of FASTags in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the average waiting time significantly decreased to 47 seconds.

How the system works

Vehicles are equipped with GPS devices that accurately determine their position on the road. While modern vehicles come with this technology, the existing ones will require the fitment of such devices. Nevertheless, Gadkari has also mentioned the possibility of ANPR cameras which might not require GPS devices in vehicles.

The system calculates the distance the vehicle travels on a tolled road by monitoring its movement using GPS. Toll is then calculated based on the distance covered, and the amount is automatically deducted from the driver's account.

Hence, unlike traditional toll booths, there is no need for vehicles to stop or slow down. The toll is automatically collected, making the process more efficient and reducing traffic congestion.

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