If implemented, these changes could provide a significant relief to private vehicle owners while supporting the government’s broader vision for a smarter, more efficient transportation infrastructure. The government is exploring the possibility of introducing monthly and yearly passes for private vehicles. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced this development during an event on Wednesday.
Highlighting the rationale behind this proposal, Gadkari revealed that private vehicles contribute only 26% to the total toll revenue, with the remaining 74% coming from commercial vehicles. "We are considering monthly or annual passes for private vehicles, as this would not significantly impact the overall revenue," he explained.
To further improve convenience and reduce congestion, the Ministry is also planning to relocate toll booths outside village boundaries, ensuring that local residents are not inconvenienced by highway traffic.
The government is taking a step towards modernizing toll systems by piloting a barrier-free Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system. This initiative will operate alongside the existing FASTag system, aiming to streamline toll payments and enhance the driving experience on highways.
GNSS-based toll collection leverages satellite technology to track vehicles and calculate tolls, aiming to eliminate physical toll booths and ease traffic congestion. Vehicles are equipped with On-Board Units (OBUs) that communicate with satellites, allowing a central system to calculate tolls based on the distance traveled.
If implemented, these changes could provide a significant relief to private vehicle owners while supporting the government’s broader vision for a smarter, more efficient transportation infrastructure.
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