New Delhi: Imagine traveling through India’s vast network of highways without the hassle of stopping at toll booths. This vision is soon to become a reality as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that physical toll booths will be removed across the country. At the heart of this transformation is a new toll policy, set to be unveiled within the next 15 days. The innovative system will use satellite tracking and vehicle number plate recognition to automatically deduct tolls from bank accounts, eliminating the need for manual transactions.
The central government’s decision to introduce a new toll policy marks a significant shift towards modernizing India’s highway infrastructure. The forthcoming system will leverage advanced technology to ensure seamless travel by automatically deducting toll charges based on the distance traveled. This approach not only streamlines the process but also ensures fairness by charging users only for the distance covered.
One of the critical infrastructure projects that will benefit from this change is the long-delayed Mumbai-Goa highway. Scheduled for completion by June this year, this highway promises to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Goa, providing a substantial boost to economic development in the Konkan region.
Minister Gadkari has expressed confidence that India’s road infrastructure will surpass that of the United States within the next two years. However, acknowledging past challenges, he noted that projects like the Mumbai-Goa and Delhi-Jaipur highways have faced significant delays due to legal disputes and land acquisition issues. Despite these hurdles, the resolution of these challenges has revitalized these projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure.
The impending removal of physical toll booths and the introduction of a new toll policy are part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and user experience of India’s highway system. This shift is expected to resonate positively with commuters and travelers alike, transforming the way India travels.
