New Delhi:
In a significant move to modernize India’s road transport infrastructure, the government is poised to introduce a barrier-free tolling system on all four-lane-plus highways and high-speed corridors by the financial year 2028-29. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of toll operations using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
The new GNSS-based electronic toll collection system will mark a substantial shift away from traditional toll booths, significantly reducing traffic congestion and waiting times. This initiative builds on the success of FASTag, which has already reduced average waiting times at toll plazas from 734 seconds to just 47 seconds. By eliminating physical toll booths, the GNSS system will ensure a seamless driving experience, aligning with global best practices in toll management.
The rollout of this system is part of a broader effort to enhance India’s road transport network. Over the last decade, the length of high-speed corridors has expanded dramatically from 93 km to 2,474 km, while four-lane-plus national highways have grown from 18,300 km to 45,900 km. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017, has also made significant strides, with 26,425 km of projects awarded and 18,926 km of national highways constructed by 2024.
Road transport is a critical sector, generating the highest Gross Value Added (GVA) within transport services. In FY23, it accounted for 78% of the total GVA of transport services. The national highway network, though only 2% of the total road network, carries about 40% of the overall road freight, underscoring its importance.
In addition to the GNSS-based tolling system, the government is considering the introduction of monthly or annual passes for private vehicles. This move is driven by the fact that private vehicles contribute only 26% to the total toll revenue, with commercial vehicles accounting for the remaining 74%. By offering these passes, the government aims to streamline toll payments further and enhance user convenience.
