Govt puts satellite tolling on hold over security concerns; to pilot ANPR-based FASTag system

The government on Wednesday clarified that it has not yet operationalised satellite-based tolling on National Highways and is instead proceeding with pilot implementation of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system at selected locations.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that an apex committee of experts from industry and academia has recommended further deliberations on the GPS-based toll collection system due to security, privacy, and operational control considerations.

“Satellite-based user fee collection system is not currently operational anywhere on National Highways,” Gadkari said in response to a question on the status and timeline for its implementation.

“No such decision has been taken… regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025,” the ministry had said at the time.

The government is focusing on enhancing the current Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) infrastructure by integrating it with ANPR technology to facilitate seamless and barrier-free tolling.

According to the minister’s reply, the new ANPR-FASTag System (AFS) aims to ensure free-flow movement of vehicles without the need to stop or slow down at toll plazas. The system combines high-performance number plate recognition cameras and FASTag RFID readers to identify vehicles and deduct tolls automatically.

Request for Proposals (RFPs) have been issued and finalised for a set of toll plazas identified based on factors such as traffic volume, geographic spread, lane configuration and congestion levels. The implementation may be expanded in phases depending on the outcome and effectiveness of these initial pilots.

On the question of handling non-compliance and violations under the new system, the minister said that e-notices would be issued in accordance with the National Highways Fee Rules.