Nitin Gadkari announces end of toll plazas, new technology to enable nonstop toll collection

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – There's good news for motorists across the country. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced major and revolutionary changes to the toll system. Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari stated that the government is working to remove toll booths from all national highways soon.

He said the government is developing a seamless traffic system, eliminating the need to stop vehicles to pay tolls. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, save time, and reduce fuel consumption.

New technology will allow toll collection without stopping.

Nitin Gadkari stated that under the new system, vehicles will be able to pass through toll points at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour. There will be no barriers or toll booths. High-tech cameras will scan vehicle number plates using ANPR technology, and the FASTag will be identified. As soon as a vehicle passes through the toll area, the agreed amount will be deducted directly from the vehicle owner's linked bank account.

The new rule will be 'the more you travel, the more you pay'.

The minister said that the principle of "pay-as-you-use" will be implemented in the new toll policy. Currently, in many places, one has to pay for the entire toll section, even if the vehicle has travelled only a few kilometres. In the new system, if the toll for a road is fixed for 60 kilometres and the vehicle travels only 15 kilometres, then the toll will be deducted only for 15 kilometres.

For this, the vehicle's entry and exit points will be recorded, and the toll will be calculated based on that distance. Gadkari stated that this system will make the toll system more transparent and directly benefit the public. This government decision is being considered a major step towards making road transport faster, easier, and modern in the country.