Nitin Gadkari's Major Announcement: “Toll Plazas Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past”
In a significant development for commuters and the transport sector, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a forthcoming policy that will eliminate traditional toll plazas across national highways. The move is aimed at reducing congestion and long waiting times at toll booths, even for vehicles equipped with FASTag.
Policy to Be Announced Within 15 Days
Addressing the issue of continued traffic snarls at toll collection points, Gadkari stated that a new policy will be implemented in the next 15 days to resolve toll-related inconveniences. The initiative will apply specifically to national highways, not to state-specific tolls such as those in Maharashtra.
“A new policy will be brought in within 15 days so that you don’t face any toll-related issues. This will be applicable on national highways,” Gadkari said.
Satellite-Based Toll Collection System
The highlight of the announcement is the introduction of a satellite-based free flow tolling system, which will completely do away with physical toll plazas. Under this system, vehicles will no longer be required to stop, and toll charges will be automatically deducted based on the distance traveled.
“There will be no toll plazas and no one will stop you. Cameras will capture your number plate, and toll charges from the entry point to the exit will be directly deducted from your bank account,” Gadkari explained.
The minister emphasized that the system will significantly ease traffic, enhance efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption caused by idling at toll plazas.
Background: FASTag and Beyond
While the FASTag system—introduced to reduce tolling delays—has been made mandatory and widely implemented, many motorists continue to face queues due to various operational issues. The upcoming satellite tolling system is expected to be a technological leap that could revolutionize the Indian tolling infrastructure.
The announcement has been met with anticipation from both the public and the transport industry, as it promises to bring smoother and faster highway travel across the country.