According to several media sources, a satellite-based toll collection system will take the place of the FASTag system, which will be stopped on May 1. Many individuals, particularly those who frequently drive on roads or motorways, had several questions after this story went viral on social media.
However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has finally resolved the confusion around this subject.
These reports have been declared inaccurate and deceptive by the MoRTH. The ministry confirmed in its official statement that no decision has been made to switch to a satellite tolling system starting on May 1 to replace the FASTag system nationwide. It underlined how deceptive such promises are. Consequently, the FASTag system will continue to function.
To cut down on time spent at toll booths, the government is really looking into the possibilities of implementing new technologies in the future. The ANPR-FASTag based barrier-less tolling system is a new method that the government is testing.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition, or ANPR for short, is a system that can scan a car’s number plate and identify it. The existing FASTag configuration will be merged with this system. After it is put into effect, cars won’t have to stop at toll booths.
It’s noteworthy that the government has so far sought bids to install this system at a few specific toll plazas. The choice to roll it out nationally will be based on how well it operates and what the public thinks. Additionally, it is thought that car owners may receive an e-notice and may have their FASTag stopped if they refuse to participate in this system or make inconsistencies in their toll payments.
