40 lakh annual FASTag passes issued since August, barrier-free toll collection by 2026: Gadkari

40 lakh annual FASTag passes issued since August, barrier-free toll collection by 2026: Gadkari

## Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Eyes Barrier-Free Toll Collection by 2026 Amidst Increased FASTag Adoption

New Delhi – The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is accelerating its efforts towards seamless and barrier-free toll collection across the national highway network, aiming for complete implementation by 2026. This initiative coincides with a significant surge in the adoption of FASTag technology, with approximately 4 million annual FASTag passes issued since August, signaling a growing acceptance of the electronic toll collection system among private vehicle owners.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the progress during a recent address, outlining the ministry’s vision for a streamlined and efficient tolling infrastructure. The annual FASTag pass, a relatively new offering, allows private car owners to traverse up to 200 designated toll plazas for a fixed annual fee of ₹3,000. This translates to an average of 15 crossings per toll plaza, providing a cost-effective solution for frequent travelers on specific routes.

The increasing popularity of FASTag is viewed by the ministry as a critical stepping stone towards achieving its ambitious goal of eliminating physical toll booths and transitioning to a fully automated, GPS-based toll collection system. This transition promises to significantly reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize travel time for commuters.

Currently, the majority of toll plazas across the country utilize a hybrid system, incorporating both FASTag lanes and traditional cash lanes. However, the ministry is actively exploring and piloting alternative technologies, including GPS-based tolling and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, to pave the way for a completely barrier-free experience.

GPS-based tolling, for instance, would leverage satellite technology to track vehicle movement and automatically deduct toll charges based on the distance traveled on tolled roads. ANPR systems, on the other hand, would utilize cameras to identify vehicle license plates and deduct toll charges from linked accounts.

The transition to these advanced systems requires significant infrastructural investment and technological upgrades. The ministry is actively engaging with various stakeholders, including technology providers, infrastructure developers, and financial institutions, to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.

While the widespread adoption of FASTag represents a significant achievement, challenges remain in ensuring seamless connectivity and addressing potential issues related to system glitches and user awareness. The ministry is actively working to address these challenges through ongoing technological improvements, enhanced customer support, and targeted awareness campaigns.

The successful implementation of barrier-free toll collection is expected to have a profound impact on the Indian transportation landscape. By reducing congestion, improving efficiency, and promoting seamless mobility, the initiative promises to contribute significantly to economic growth and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of commuters across the country. The road ahead is paved with technological advancements and strategic collaborations, all aimed at transforming the future of tolling in India and realizing the vision of a truly seamless and efficient national highway network.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.