No Decision Yet on Nationwide Satellite-Based Tolling, Clarifies MoRTH Amid Media Speculation
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Friday issued a clarification addressing recent media reports that suggested a nationwide rollout of satellite-based toll collection would begin on May 1, 2025.
Refuting the claims, the ministry confirmed that no final decision has been taken regarding the full-scale implementation of satellite tolling across India.
In an official statement, the ministry emphasized that while the government remains committed to modernizing and improving the efficiency of toll collection systems on national highways, the reports circulating about the replacement of the current FASTag-based system with a satellite-driven alternative were factually incorrect.
The statement reiterated the government’s focus on enabling a smoother and more seamless driving experience for commuters on highways by minimizing stoppages and reducing congestion at toll plazas.
To this end, the ministry is actively working on deploying a hybrid model known as the ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system’ at selected toll plazas across the country.
The ANPR-FASTag system is designed to bring together two advanced technologies for automated toll collection: the well-established FASTag system, which utilizes Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) to deduct toll fees directly from linked bank accounts, and the ANPR system, which uses high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence to accurately read and identify vehicle number plates in real time.
Under the proposed hybrid setup, vehicles will no longer be required to come to a complete stop at toll booths for payment verification, provided they have an active FASTag and are compliant with the system’s regulations.
High-performance ANPR cameras will capture number plate details and work alongside FASTag readers to automate the deduction of toll charges as the vehicle passes through, making the process significantly faster and smoother for road users.
Additionally, the ministry highlighted that strict enforcement mechanisms would accompany the implementation of this system.
In cases where a vehicle is found to be non-compliant, such as lacking a valid FASTag or having an unreadable or tampered number plate, the system will automatically generate an electronic notice (e-notice) to alert the violator.
If the violation remains unaddressed, authorities may take further action, including the suspension of the FASTag linked to the vehicle, along with other penalties under the VAHAN database provisions.
The clarification aims to dispel the confusion created by speculative reports and reassure the public that the transition to satellite-based tolling remains under evaluation.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that reduce travel delays, lower fuel consumption caused by bottlenecks, and create a more efficient and transparent toll collection ecosystem across India’s highway network.
