As Lok Sabha Polls Make Exit, Implementation of GPS-based Toll Collection Enters Fast Lane; MoRTH Invites Global EOIs – News18

Inching in the direction of making satellite-based tolling a actuality, the ministry of street transport and highways (MoRTH) has taken a vital step on this course.

The ministry has invited world expressions of curiosity (EOIs) from progressive and certified corporations to develop and implement Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based digital toll assortment in India.

The invitation for EOIs was issued by Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) promoted by the ministry’s NHAI.

Satellite-based tolling in India has been proposed for a seamless and barrier-free tolling expertise for nationwide freeway customers and enhanced effectivity and transparency of toll operations.

Past MCC velocity bump

The ministry earlier this 12 months carried out pilots of GPS-based tolling on the Bengaluru-Mysore nationwide freeway in Karnataka and it was anticipated that the expertise can be launched earlier than the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. However, that might not occur.

Soon after the mannequin code of conduct ended because the Lok Sabha polls have been accomplished efficiently, the tender was issued.

“NHAI plans to implement the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially using a hybrid model where both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously,” MoRTH stated in a press release.

Dedicated GNSS lanes will likely be obtainable at toll plazas, permitting automobiles utilizing the system to cross by means of freely.

As GNSS-based ETC turns into extra widespread, all lanes will ultimately be transformed to such lanes.

“To leverage the advance satellite technology, the EOI aims to identify experienced and capable companies that can deliver a robust, scalable, and efficient Toll Charger Software, which will serve as the backbone for the implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) in India,” the ministry added

The invitation for EOIs additionally features a full plan of implementation and seeks solutions on this.

Interested corporations can electronic mail their curiosity to tenders@ihmcl.com by July 22.

Implementation of GNSS-based ETC in India is aimed toward offering many advantages to freeway customers akin to barrier-less free-flow tolling resulting in hassle-free driving expertise and distance-based tolling the place customers can pay just for the stretch they’ve travelled on a nationwide freeway.

The mechanism will even lead to extra environment friendly toll assortment because it helps to plug leakages and test evaders.

The system will additional assist to supply a smoother, and seamless journey to commuters on nationwide highways, the ministry added.

How will the brand new system work

As and when applied, tolling will likely be performed on-line both by means of automated quantity plate recognition cameras or a GPS gadget put in within the automotive that can learn the placement of the car.

There will likely be a tool on the entry and exit of the toll stretch that can learn the placement of the automotive. So drivers not utilizing your complete stretch will solely pay for the gap they travelled. It is especially going to learn riders utilizing smaller sections.

“Just like there was a transition from cash towards FASTag, there will be another transition from FASTag towards GPS. This may take some time from a few months to some years but we are hopeful that it is going to benefit both the users as well as the ministry,” an official informed News18 on situation of anonymity.