No More Toll Plazas? India to Replace FASTag With GPS-Based Toll System

In a big move toward modernizing highway travel, India is gearing up to remove physical toll plazas and switch to a GPS-based tolling system. This transition could spell the end for long queues at toll booths and enhance the overall efficiency of road travel in the country.

Let’s explore what this change means for drivers, how it affects FASTag users, and what the future of tolling in India looks like.

From FASTag to GPS Tolling: What’s Changing?

The FASTag system, which currently uses RFID tags to deduct tolls automatically at plazas, is set to be replaced with GPS-based tolling technology. Instead of waiting at toll booths, the new system will deduct charges based on the exact distance traveled on toll roads.

Key Differences at a Glance

Why Is India Removing Toll Plazas?

The decision for India Toll Plaza Removal isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about improving logistics, cutting fuel wastage, and embracing technology.

Here’s why India is taking this bold step:

• Reduce traffic jams at toll booths

• Make toll collection seamless and more transparent

• Cut down fuel usage due to idling at plazas

• Improve real-time tracking of toll revenues and vehicle movements

• Lower carbon emissions with uninterrupted vehicle flow

How Will the GPS-Based Tolling Work?

The new GPS tolling system will use vehicle location tracking to calculate the toll amount. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Vehicle Entry: When you enter a toll road, your vehicle’s GPS location is logged.

2. Travel Monitoring: The system tracks your journey via satellites in real-time.

3. Distance Calculation: Based on the kilometers driven, the toll is calculated.

4. Direct Deduction: The toll is auto-deducted from your linked bank or wallet account.

When Will This Change Be Implemented?

The government is expected to launch pilot projects in select states before rolling out the system nationwide. According to Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways:

“We are in advanced stages of implementing GPS tolling. The FASTag system was a step forward, but GPS tolling will be a game-changer.”

What Will Happen to FASTag?

While the FASTag system helped digitize toll collection, it’s slowly becoming redundant in the face of newer tech.

What FASTag Users Should Know:

• FASTag will coexist temporarily with the GPS tolling system.

• Over time, GPS-based systems may become mandatory.

• Existing FASTag wallets might be integrated for deductions under the new model.

Benefits of the GPS-Based Toll System

Here’s why the transition is great news for everyone:

For Drivers

• No need to stop at toll booths

• Fair tolling — pay only for what you use

• Better fuel efficiency and travel time

For Logistics & Transport Companies

• Smoother cargo movement

• Transparent billing

• Real-time route optimization

For the Environment

• Less idling = fewer emissions

• Encourages smarter vehicle movement

FAQs 

1. What is GPS-based tolling, and how does it work?

GPS tolling uses satellite tracking to calculate toll charges based on the exact distance a vehicle travels on a toll road. It eliminates the need for physical toll plazas.

2. Will FASTag be discontinued?

Not immediately. FASTag will continue during the transition phase but may eventually be phased out as GPS tolling becomes the norm.

3. Do all vehicles need to have GPS systems installed?

Yes, under the new system, vehicles will be required to have GPS devices installed to enable real-time toll tracking.

4. When will the GPS tolling system be available across India?

The exact nationwide rollout date hasn’t been announced, but pilot programs are already being tested in select states as of 2025.

Final Thoughts

The shift from FASTag to GPS tolling marks a giant leap in India’s digital infrastructure. With the removal of toll plazas, India is not just modernizing road travel but also setting a precedent for smarter, greener transport systems.

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