FASTag To Be Replaced By Satellite-Based Tolling System From May? Government Says No Such Decision Taken

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has denied recent media reports suggesting a nationwide shift to satellite-based toll collection from 1 May 2025.

The ministry has stated that no such decision has been taken by the ministry or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

"Some sections of the media have reported that a Satellite-based Tolling System will be launched from 1^st May 2025 and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system. This is to clarify that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025," the ministry said.

The ministry also said that to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be implemented at selected toll plazas.

This advanced tolling system will integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, that will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction.

The ministry said that under the system, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas.

In case of non-compliance, e-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN related penalties, according to the ministry.

The ministry said that NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas.

"Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country," the ministry added.

Also Read: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS: Track Laying Work Completed At Last Namo Bharat Corridor Station In Meerut's Modipuram