There will be no queue at toll plaza now! Train will keep running, toll will be deducted automatically, Gadkari’s big announcement

Long queues of vehicles at toll plazas and the hassle of traffic jams despite having Fastag… If you too are troubled by all this on the highway, then understand that there is a very good news for you. Now all this is soon going to become history. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that all toll booths will be removed across the country by next year.

Yes, you read it right. Now you will not need to stop your vehicle to pay toll. In their place, a smart electronic system will be installed, due to which your vehicle will keep running and toll money will be automatically deducted from your account. This change will completely change the travel experience for crores of passengers. Let us understand it in simple language.

How will the new system work?

The government is going to bring a ‘free-flow’ electronic toll system across the country, where there will be no barriers or obstructions. This system will work on two main technologies:

1. FASTag: The one which is already installed on the windscreen of your vehicle will continue to be used.
2. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Reader): This is the biggest change. Instead of toll plazas, there will now be hi-tech cameras installed on the highways, which will scan the number plate of your vehicle from a distance.

Both these technologies will be combined with AI (Artificial Intelligence). As soon as your vehicle passes under these cameras, the system will identify you from your number plate or Fastag and deduct the toll money from your bank account.

What if FASTag does not work?

There is nothing to worry about. The best thing about this system is that even if for some reason your Fastag does not work, the ANPR camera will still recognize the number plate of your vehicle and the toll will be deducted automatically. That means, under no circumstances will you need to stop.

Is this system reliable?

The government has successfully tested this technology at 10 toll plazas. After getting good results, now preparations are on to gradually implement it in the entire country. NPCI’s NETC platform will be used to connect all the tolls in the country, which is already managing Fastag.

What benefit will you get?

This new system will bring many big benefits to common passengers:

• The hassle of stopping is over: The biggest advantage is that now there will be no need to stop at toll or slow down the vehicle.
• Fuel Saving: The extra fuel which was spent in frequent stopping and then moving again, will now be saved.
• Time Saving: Your precious time will no longer be wasted in long toll lines.
• Stress-free journey: You will get rid of the noise of horns, crowds and toll booths, making your journey more comfortable and stress-free.

Overall, your journey on the highway is going to be faster, easier and smarter than ever before.