New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially dismissed reports suggesting that a satellite-based tolling system will be implemented across India starting May 1, 2025. In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry clarified that no such decision has been taken by either the Ministry or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The clarification comes in response to media reports claiming that a new satellite-based system would replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection from next month.
“There is no proposal for the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from May 1,” the ministry said.
Instead, the government is working on an upgraded toll collection method using an ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System at selected toll plazas. This system aims to make vehicle movement smoother and reduce waiting time at toll booths.
What Is ANPR-FASTag System?
The new hybrid system will integrate:
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which reads vehicle registration numbers using high-speed cameras.
• FASTag RFID technology, currently used for automated toll deduction.
Together, these technologies will enable toll collection without stopping at booths, ensuring faster and more efficient traffic flow.
If a vehicle fails to comply with the system or tolls are unpaid, e-notices will be issued. Continued non-payment may lead to FASTag suspension and other penalties under the VAHAN database system.
Pilot Testing Before Wider Rollout
NHAI has already invited bids to implement the ANPR-FASTag system at selected toll plazas. The nationwide rollout will depend on the performance, efficiency, and user response during these pilot runs.
Current Toll System and Recent Updates
India currently has around 855 toll plazas on its national highway network, with 675 run by the government and the rest operated by private entities. FASTag remains the standard for digital toll payments.
Earlier this month, NHAI also increased toll charges by an average of 4 to 5%, citing inflation adjustments as part of its annual review based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The additional revenue is expected to support highway maintenance and expansion projects.
