Nitin Gadkari Announces GNSS-Based Toll Collection System on Select National Highways

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces the implementation of a GNSS-based toll collection system on select national highways, replacing traditional methods.

Key Points

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a GNSS-based toll collection system on select national highways.
• Pilot studies conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar sections.
• Stakeholder consultations and a global expression of interest were held to gather broader industry feedback.
• A master plan for national highways includes expressways and high-speed highways to enhance logistics.
• Delays in 697 highway projects due to various issues, with new projects in planning to improve progress.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the introduction of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based toll collection system on select national highways, marking a significant shift from traditional toll collection methods. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari detailed the progress and future plans for this innovative tolling system.

The minister revealed that pilot studies of the GNSS-based user fee collection system have been conducted on two key highway sections: the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. These pilot studies are crucial steps towards nationwide implementation.

To ensure comprehensive stakeholder involvement, an international workshop was held on June 25, 2024, where various industry participants provided input on the proposed system. Furthermore, a global expression of interest (EOI) was issued on June 7, 2024, inviting broader industrial consultation with submissions accepted until July 22, 2024.

Gadkari emphasized the road ministry’s efforts in developing a master plan for national highways aimed at enhancing logistics. This plan, formulated under the PM Gatishakti Framework, includes provisions for expressways and high-speed highways. It utilizes data from e-way bills (GST), tolls, and traffic surveys to optimize transportation models and improve infrastructure planning.

The minister also addressed delays in the completion of 697 national highway projects that were initiated around a decade ago. The primary causes of these delays include land acquisition issues, statutory clearances, utility shifting, encroachment removal, law and order problems, contractor financial difficulties, poor contractor performance, and force majeure events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, heavy rainfall, floods, cyclones, landslides, and avalanches.

To mitigate these delays and enhance construction progress, the ministry has several projects in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and tendering stages. These initiatives aim to boost the pace of infrastructure development in the current and upcoming fiscal years.

Gadkari’s announcement marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s toll collection system, improving efficiency, and reducing congestion on national highways. The GNSS-based system is expected to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for commuters while supporting the country’s growing transportation needs.