India Tests New Toll System on Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar Highways, Says Nitin Gadkari
The Indian government is conducting a pilot study on two national highways for toll collection using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Highways Involved
The study is being conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore National Highway (NH-275) in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar National Highway (NH-709) in Haryana.
How It Works
The GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system will initially be implemented alongside the existing FASTag system. Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles to pass through freely. Eventually, all lanes will be converted to GNSS lanes.
Benefits
GNSS-based toll collection charges road users based on the distance traveled, rather than toll locations. This system aims to provide a hassle-free riding experience, reduce toll evasion, and improve toll collection efficiency.
Consultations and Future Plans
A stakeholder consultation through an international workshop was organized on June 25, 2024, and a Global Expression of Interest (EOI) was invited on June 7, 2024, for wider industrial consultation.
Doubts Revealed
Toll System -: A toll system is a way to collect money from vehicles using a road or bridge. This money is used to maintain and improve the roads.
Bengaluru-Mysore -: Bengaluru and Mysore are two cities in the Indian state of Karnataka. The highway connects these two cities.
Panipat-Hisar -: Panipat and Hisar are cities in the Indian state of Haryana. The highway connects these two cities.
Nitin Gadkari -: Nitin Gadkari is an Indian politician who is the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. He is responsible for the development of roads and highways in India.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) -: GNSS is a system that uses satellites to provide location and time information anywhere on Earth. It helps in navigation and tracking.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India who is in charge of a specific department, like roads or education.
Pilot Study -: A pilot study is a small-scale test of a new idea or system to see if it works well before using it everywhere.
Barrier-free -: Barrier-free means there are no physical barriers, like gates, that stop vehicles. It allows for smoother and faster movement.
Distance-based tolling -: Distance-based tolling means you pay money based on how far you travel on the road, not just for using the road.
FASTag -: FASTag is a system in India that uses a small sticker on your car to automatically pay tolls when you pass through toll plazas.
Toll Plazas -: Toll plazas are places on highways where vehicles stop to pay tolls. They usually have multiple lanes for different types of vehicles.
Efficiency -: Efficiency means doing something in the best way possible with the least waste of time and effort.
