Government Rule : India is on the verge of a revolutionary change in its road transport infrastructure. The central government is planning to eliminate traditional toll plazas and replace them with a modern, fully digital highway toll collection system. This new system aims to reduce congestion, enhance travel speed, and bring transparency to toll collections. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformation and how it will affect your journeys across the country.
Government Rule : Why the Government Is Removing Toll Plazas
Toll plazas have long been a source of delays, fuel wastage, and traffic bottlenecks. Despite the introduction of FASTag, many users still face long queues and technical glitches at toll booths. To address these concerns, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is rolling out a GPS-based tolling system.
Key Reasons Behind the Move:
- To reduce congestion and waiting time at toll booths
- To minimize human interaction and fraud in toll collection
- To improve traffic flow and fuel efficiency
- To bring transparency and accountability to the tolling process
Post Office Schemes Offering Up to 8.2% Interest! Govt Plans with Guaranteed Monthly Income Revealed
What Is the New GPS-Based Toll System?
The upcoming system uses GPS technology to track vehicle movement and automatically deduct toll charges based on the distance traveled on national highways. This move will render physical toll plazas obsolete.
Highlights of the GPS-Based Tolling System:
- No need to stop at toll plazas
- Charges will be distance-based instead of fixed tolls
- Integrated with vehicle tracking for better accuracy
- Real-time deduction from linked bank account or digital wallet
Major Benefits for Road Users
The elimination of toll plazas is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for commuters, transporters, and logistics operators.
Here’s how you benefit:
- Zero stoppage: No more halts for toll payments
- Faster commutes: Reduced travel time on highways
- Lower fuel consumption: Vehicles no longer idle at booths
- Transparent billing: Clear digital record of toll charges
- Improved safety: Less traffic congestion and road rage incidents
Implementation Timeline and Phases
The government plans to roll out this digital tolling system in a phased manner, beginning with pilot projects on select national highways.
Tentative Rollout Plan:
| Phase | Timeline | Region/Highway | Key Focus Areas | Estimated Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June–August 2025 | Delhi–Mumbai Expressway | Technology integration, testing | August 2025 |
| 2 | Sept–Dec 2025 | Eastern Peripheral | User onboarding, bank linking | December 2025 |
| 3 | Jan–Mar 2026 | Bengaluru–Chennai | Expansion to heavy vehicles | March 2026 |
| 4 | Apr–June 2026 | North-East corridors | Inclusion of inter-state routes | June 2026 |
| 5 | July–Sept 2026 | All major NHs | Full-scale implementation | September 2026 |
What You Need to Do as a Vehicle Owner
To prepare for the new highway toll system, vehicle owners need to follow a few steps to ensure a seamless transition.
Action Checklist:
- Link your vehicle registration number with your bank or e-wallet
- Install a government-approved GPS device if required
- Download the official tolling app (to be announced)
- Ensure real-time balance in your linked payment source
- Register on the national tolling portal once it goes live
Concerns & Clarifications
While the new system promises a host of benefits, there are concerns about privacy, data misuse, and system reliability.
Addressing Common Concerns:
| Concern | Government Response |
|---|---|
| GPS tracking compromises privacy | Data will be encrypted and used only for tolling |
| What if there’s a technical glitch? | Manual override and support systems will be in place |
| Cost of GPS device installation | Likely to be subsidized or provided for free |
| Issues with low-income users | Special provisions for economically weaker sections |
The removal of toll plazas and the implementation of GPS-based tolling is set to transform road travel in India. While it will take time to fully adopt and adapt to the new system, the long-term benefits are undeniable — from saving time and money to creating a smarter, more efficient transport network.
As the initiative rolls out, staying informed and proactive will ensure you’re ready for the future of Indian highways. Keep an eye out for government notifications and register early to avoid last-minute hassles.
The rollout dates and processes mentioned are based on the latest updates from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as of April 2025. Future developments may alter the implementation schedule or policy.
