New Toll Collection Rule Introduced by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Vehicles equipped with operational GNSS units will be permitted to use newly established special lanes.
image for illustrative purpose
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has enacted the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024. This regulation allows private vehicle owners in India to travel toll-free for short distances.
Toll-Free Limit: Private vehicles can travel up to 20 kilometers on national highways, expressways, bridges, and tunnels without incurring toll charges.
GNSS Requirement: The rule applies to vehicles equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) On-Board Unit, which monitors the distance traveled.
Charges Beyond 20 Kilometers: If the distance traveled is more than 20 kilometers, toll fees will be charged according to the actual distance.
Exclusions: Vehicles with a national permit, typically used for commercial purposes, are not covered under this rule.
Exclusive Lanes: Vehicles equipped with operational GNSS units will be permitted to use newly established special lanes. Those without GNSS units utilizing these lanes will incur a fee that is double the normal toll rate.
Benefits:
Cost Savings: Private vehicle owners making frequent short trips on highways will save on toll charges for journeys within the 20-kilometer limit.
Increased Efficiency: GNSS technology will improve toll collection efficiency, reduce congestion at toll plazas, and eliminate the need for manual toll payments.
The toll system will use satellite-based tracking to calculate fees based on distance traveled. GNSS units installed in vehicles will manage this process.
The GNSS system will work alongside the existing FASTag system. While FASTag will remain in use, GNSS may become the primary method of toll collection in the future.
