FASTags to be replaced by GNSS
A couple of years back, the Indian government made it mandatory for all vehicles. But it seems like this is also going to change. Soon, the government might introduce a new technology which might even replace this. I am talking about the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
With this new technology, the government aims to address the limitations of the current system and further streamline road travel. If we look back, Fastags were introduced in the country to deal with the long lines that we see at the toll plazas. It did deal with it to a certain extent, but it has its own limitations too.
Once or twice you might have also noticed that you are stuck in those annoying lines at the toll plaza, which often leads to long delays. Sometimes cards can’t be read and this leads to traffic jams. This is why the GNSS system is being tested.
The GNSS system will help eliminate the need for having a physical toll together. It will use GPS and GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) to track a vehicle’s location precisely and calculate tolls based on the distance traveled on highways.
So with this, users will not have to stop at every toll booth. And on the other hand, it will also take care of those who use nasty tricks to evade the tolls. Users will have to pay fairly for the distance that they are traveling.
So once the GNSS system has been set up, the amount will automatically get deducted from a digital wallet that the user has already added money to. So this reduces the hassle too.
Initially, the GNSS system will be integrated with the existing Fastag system. Certain selected toll lanes will get upgraded to accept GNSS. Eventually, it will be expanded even more. It is already available on the Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar National Highways are already testing GNSS technology.
