FASTag: When you embark on a journey from one state to another in India, paying toll taxes is often an inevitable part of the voyage. Numerous toll plazas dot the national highways, collecting these charges. Although the introduction of FASTag has streamlined this process to some extent, your vehicle tag can still feel like a speed bump, not fast enough for some who end up waiting in a queue. It’s been a step in the right direction, saving time and money, but the system isn’t as seamless as many would hope.

The Rise of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

In what appears to be a major overhaul of how tolls are collected on Indian highways, there’s an exciting development on the horizon. The government, led by Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, is considering implementing a satellite-based toll collection system using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This innovation promises to eliminate the need for FASTag and do away with the irksome queues at toll plazas.

How Will GNSS Work?

The GNSS-enabled toll system is anticipated to be deployed on select national highways. It connects directly to satellites, and dedicated toll booths will collect data on every vehicle that passes through. This information includes how far a vehicle travels, allowing tolls to be deducted online accurately. The aim is to create a seamless, efficient experience for travelers without imposing further traffic lines where the pace of technology meets the rhythm of the road.

The Future of FASTag

With GNSS promising an efficient alternative, there’s naturally speculation about the fate of FASTag. For now, speculation should be met with caution. The implementation of GNSS is initially planned for a limited number of highways, and FASTag is not going to disappear overnight. The current reality is that without a comprehensive rollout of GNSS across all national highways, FASTag will remain a necessary option for many travelers. In cases where GNSS is not viable, FASTag will still play a crucial role in facilitating toll payments.

This pilot on trial runs by the ministry can be seen as a heroic new era exploring the uncharted territory in toll payments. Though the complete shift to GNSS may take time, the very possibility ignites hope for hassle-free journeys on the nation’s highways.

Also Read: New Toll Rule: FREE Travel On Highways For Up To 20 Km For Private Vehicles – What’s The Catch?