Contrary to media reports, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) clarified on Friday that no decision has been taken to replace FASTags with a satellite-based tolling system starting May 1, 2025. Several news outlets claimed that India was set to roll out this new technology nationwide, sparking confusion among vehicle owners and highway users.
MoRTH emphasized that both the ministry and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have not approved any such nationwide transition to satellite tolling as of now.
What’s Actually Coming: ANPR-FASTag Barrier-less Tolling
Instead of replacing the current system, MoRTH revealed that it is working on enhancing toll collection by introducing a barrier-less tolling system at selected toll plazas.
This hybrid model will integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag-based system. The goal is to reduce travel time, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve toll collection efficiency.
How the ANPR-FASTag System Will Work
The new system will function using:
- ANPR Cameras: These will scan vehicle number plates at high speed.
- FASTag RFID Readers: These will verify the vehicle’s FASTag and deduct toll amounts without stopping.
Together, they will enable seamless toll deduction while vehicles are in motion, eliminating the need for manual stops at toll booths.
