Government Pauses Satellite-Based Tolling Plan Over 'Privacy' Concerns, Pushes ANPR System For Barrier-Free Collection

The government has put its satellite-based highway toll collection plan on hold due to security, privacy, and operational concerns.

Instead, it is moving forward with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-based FASTag system for seamless toll collection.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that an expert committee had recommended further deliberations on satellite tolling.

"The Apex Committee and High-Level Empowered Committee consisting of Experts from Industry and Academia, in view of security and privacy considerations, and overall operational control, have recommended further deliberations for the Satellite based Tolling," Gadkari said.

Meanwhile, a corridor/stretch-based ANPR FASTag system will be implemented to enable free-flow tolling.

"Series of meetings have been conducted by the Expert committee and as per deliberations, it is proposed to proceed with Corridor/Stretch-based projects for ANPR FASTag System (AFS)-based Barrier Less Free Flow tolling," the minister said.

The minister also noted that India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, is not yet fully capable of supporting satellite-based tolling.

Additional satellites and specialised receivers are required to achieve the necessary positional accuracy.

"With the existing features of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), the Satellite based Tolling requires additional Satellite Constellations to achieve desired level of positional accuracy as well as development of appropriate receivers for receiving satellite signals. It requires further deliberations to move towards Satellite based tolling," he added.

To test barrier-free tolling, the government has invited proposals for implementing the system at select toll plazas. Expansion to other locations will depend on the outcome of these trials.

"Request for Proposal (RFP) to implement barrier-free tolling system on the fee plazas of “Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, UER-II and Dwarka Expressway” has been invited/floated, with the possibility of implementing it on other fee plazas in a phased manner depending upon the outcomes and efficacy of the implementation on these projects," the minister said.

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