Indian government denies reports of GPS based toll collection method replacing FASTag from 1 May, 2025
Have you also come across the news of the GPS-based toll collection method replacing the FASTag method starting from 1 May 2025? Multiple media reports surfaced online today claiming that India will be introducing a new GPS-based toll collection system from 1 May 2025 to eliminate toll plazas and enhance efficiency, while the FASTag method will be replaced.
This news caught a lot of attention and created a stir on the internet, leading the government to issue a clarification on the same. According to the official statement, no such decision has been taken regarding the launch of a satellite-based tolling system from 1st May. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said that neither the Ministry nor the National Highways Authority of India has taken any decision in this regard.
Rather, an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)- FASTag based Barrier-Less Tolling System will be implemented at selected toll plazas to enable barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas.
ANPR FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System
This system will combine Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, which will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing FASTag system that uses Radio-Frequency Identification for toll deduction. Under this system, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas.
In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties.
It is revealed that NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of the ANPR-FASTag-based barrierless tolling system at selected locations. And based on the performance efficiency and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country.
Meanwhile, all toll plazas on national highways will continue to operate under the existing ICD 2.5 protocol, which enables real-time FASTag verification.
