GNSS Toll System: Transforming Toll Collection for Trucks and Buses
- Loading Walla
- Apr 22
- 7 min read
The tolling landscape in India is undergoing a major transformation. In a significant step forward for logistics and transportation, the government is moving towards a barrier-less, GPS-based toll collection system for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. This shift from traditional toll booths to satellite-enabled technology marks the beginning of a smarter, faster, and more efficient era in road usage management.
The Next Leap: GNSS Toll System
At the heart of this innovation is the GNSS toll system—a technology that uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track vehicle movement and calculate tolls based on the actual distance traveled on toll roads. Unlike conventional systems that rely on physical toll plazas, GNSS tolling allows vehicles to move freely without stopping, making it a true gps based toll collection solution.
This system is especially beneficial for commercial fleets, drastically reducing travel time and fuel consumption, while also cutting down emissions caused by congestion at toll booths.
What is the ANPR-FASTag-Based Barrier-Less Tolling System?
Before diving deeper into GNSS, it’s worth understanding the ANPR-FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system, which serves as a transitional model.
This system uses a combination of:
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): Cameras scan and identify the license plates of vehicles.
FASTag: RFID-based tags linked to bank accounts or wallets, which deduct tolls automatically.
In this model, vehicles pass through designated lanes without stopping. Cameras capture the plate and FASTag is used to process the transaction in real-time, without requiring physical barriers. It offers faster processing compared to manual toll booths, but still relies on road-side infrastructure.
Key Components of the GNSS Toll System
Transitioning to a full gnss satellite system tolling method involves the integration of multiple advanced technologies. Here are the key components:
Onboard Unit (OBU): A GPS-enabled device installed in vehicles that tracks movement and records distance traveled on tolled roads.
GNSS Satellite Network: Satellites provide real-time positioning data to monitor vehicle location accurately.
Tolling Backend System: Cloud-based software that receives data from the OBU and calculates the toll amount dynamically.
Digital Payment Gateway: Integrated payment system that deducts toll charges directly from the user's prepaid account or bank.
How GPS-Based Toll Collection Works
The GPS-based toll collection system is designed to bring a seamless and automated experience for road users, particularly commercial fleets. Here’s how it works in practice:
1. Pre-Installed Tracking Devices
Vehicles—especially commercial ones—are equipped with pre-installed GNSS tracking devices, also known as Onboard Units (OBUs). These devices continuously communicate with the GNSS satellite system to track the exact location and movement of the vehicle on tollable roads.
2. Virtual Toll Booths
Instead of stopping at physical toll plazas, vehicles pass through virtual toll booths—designated toll zones marked digitally on the map. The system automatically identifies entry and exit points using satellite data, enabling barrier-less, gps based toll collection without any human intervention or roadside infrastructure.
3. Dedicated Lanes and Gradual Expansion
In the initial phase, dedicated lanes may be set up on key highways to support ANPR-FASTag-based tolling or hybrid models. These lanes act as a bridge between existing toll booths and fully virtual tolling. Over time, the infrastructure will expand nationwide to enable complete reliance on gnss toll systems, reducing dependency on physical barriers.
4. Initial Focus on Commercial Vehicles
The rollout is currently targeting commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, which account for a large portion of toll road usage. This sector benefits the most from reduced stoppage, faster routes, and accurate, distance-based tolling—key features of a modern gnss satellite system.
5. Seamless Billing and Payment
Once a vehicle exits a toll zone, the system calculates the toll based on the actual distance traveled. The toll amount is then automatically deducted from a linked digital wallet, FASTag account, or bank account. Vehicle owners can access trip and payment records via a dedicated mobile app or web portal.
Benefits of GPS-Based Toll Collection
No Stoppage: Vehicles move seamlessly without waiting at toll booths.
Reduced Congestion: Eliminates traffic build-up at toll plazas, especially beneficial for freight corridors.
Accurate Tolling: Charges are based on actual usage, ensuring fair pricing.
Environmental Impact: Less idling leads to lower carbon emissions.
Improved Compliance: Real-time data helps enforce toll payments and track violations.
Scalability: Easier to implement across new roads without investing in physical toll infrastructure.
When Will the GNSS-Based Toll System Come Into Effect?
The Indian government has announced that the rollout of the GNSS toll system will begin in June 2025, starting with commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. This phased implementation will initially operate alongside the existing FASTag system to ensure a smooth transition. By adopting a hybrid approach in the early stages, authorities aim to test system performance, user readiness, and infrastructure compatibility before expanding the gps based toll collectionmodel nationwide. Full-scale adoption for all vehicle categories is expected to follow over the next 12 to 18 months, aligning with the government’s vision of achieving 100% barrier-less tolling in the near future.
RELATED NEWS
Satellite-Driven Toll Collection to Kick Off with Trucks and Buses
India is gearing up to launch a GNSS-based toll collection system that uses satellite technology to track vehicles and charge tolls based on the actual distance traveled. By equipping vehicles with On-Board Units (OBUs), the system will eliminate the need for traditional toll booths, enabling smooth, uninterrupted journeys. Toll payments will be automatically deducted via the existing FASTag platform. The rollout will begin in 2025, initially targeting trucks and buses, and will gradually extend to all vehicles. The goal is to cover 50,000 kilometers of highways within two years.
Source : TheEconomictimes
FASTag Now Compulsory for Delhi Buses as City Standardizes Parking Fees
Starting Saturday night, September 14, 2024, all buses entering Delhi’s ISBTs must be equipped with a FASTag. A uniform parking fee of ₹500 (excluding GST) will apply for up to 25 minutes, with payment accepted exclusively through FASTag. To support the transition, terminals have been upgraded with the necessary infrastructure, and FASTags will be available on-site. The new policy applies to both government and private buses, aiming to eliminate unauthorized parking, ease congestion, and ensure fair and efficient operations across the board.
Source:TimesofIndia
India Introduces Satellite Toll Collection System with GNSS Technology
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has updated the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, to introduce satellite-based toll collection. Utilizing the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), vehicles will now automatically pay tolls based on the distance traveled. Special lanes will be designated for GNSS-equipped vehicles, allowing them to bypass manual toll booths. Additionally, a zero-toll zone of up to 20 kilometers will be implemented, after which tolls will apply. This initiative aims to modernize toll collection, ease congestion, and enhance traffic flow on India's highways.
Source:TimesofIndia
Conclusion
The introduction of the GNSS toll system marks a game-changing moment in India’s transport infrastructure. By embracing gps based toll collection and gradually phasing out traditional toll plazas, the country is stepping into a future where convenience, efficiency, and sustainability go hand in hand.
As commercial vehicles start adopting these solutions, logistics costs are expected to decrease, deliveries will become faster, and road congestion will be significantly reduced. The gnss satellite system isn’t just about toll collection—it's about reimagining the entire journey.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQS )
1. What is the GNSS toll system?
The GNSS toll system is a GPS-based technology that uses satellite signals to track the movement of vehicles and calculate toll fees based on distance traveled. It eliminates the need for physical toll booths, offering a seamless and efficient way to collect tolls.
2. How does GPS-based toll collection work?
GPS-based toll collection works by installing an onboard unit (OBU) in vehicles that communicates with the GNSS satellite system to track their movements. The system calculates toll fees based on the actual distance traveled through toll zones, and payments are deducted automatically from a linked account.
3. When will the GNSS toll system be implemented?
The phased implementation of the GNSS toll system will begin in June 2025 for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. Full-scale adoption for all vehicles is expected within the next 12 to 18 months.
4. What are the benefits of the GNSS toll system?
The GNSS toll system offers multiple benefits, including reduced congestion at toll booths, lower emissions due to less idling, more accurate tolling based on distance traveled, and a seamless experience for commercial vehicle drivers.
5. Is the GNSS toll system only for commercial vehicles?
Initially, the GPS-based toll collection system will focus on commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, as they represent a significant portion of toll road usage. However, the plan is to gradually expand the system to cover all vehicles.
6. How is the toll calculated in the GNSS toll system?
Toll charges in the GNSS toll system are based on the actual distance traveled by the vehicle on toll roads. The onboard unit (OBU) continuously communicates with the GNSS satellite system, ensuring precise calculation and billing.
7. Do I need to stop at toll booths with the GNSS toll system?
No, one of the primary benefits of the GNSS toll system is its barrier-less approach. Vehicles equipped with an OBU will pass through toll zones without having to stop at physical toll booths, saving time and reducing traffic congestion.
8. How is payment made in the GPS-based toll collection system?
Payments are automatically deducted through a digital payment gateway linked to the vehicle’s FASTag or bank account. Vehicle owners can monitor toll payments and track their journeys through a dedicated app or web portal.
9. Will the GNSS toll system replace the current toll booths?
Yes, the GNSS toll system will gradually phase out traditional toll booths. As the system expands, more highways will adopt barrier-less tolling, relying on satellite data rather than physical infrastructure to calculate tolls.
10. What role does the GNSS satellite system play in toll collection?
The GNSS satellite system provides real-time location data to track vehicle movements on toll roads. This system ensures accurate distance measurement, allowing for fair and efficient tolling based on the actual route traveled by each vehicle.
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