The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched a pilot project for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system on select national highways. This initiative aims to complement the existing FASTag system, providing a seamless and efficient tolling experience for highway users. The GNSS-based system will initially be tested on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the pilot project and highlighted its potential to revolutionize toll collection in India. The system is expected to reduce congestion at toll plazas, enhance transparency, and ensure that users pay only for the distance traveled.

In addition to the toll collection pilot, Gadkari addressed the issue of delays in national highway projects. He noted that 697 projects have surpassed their original completion dates due to various challenges, including land acquisition issues, statutory clearances, utility shifting, and financial difficulties faced by contractors. The ministry is actively working to resolve these issues and expedite project completion to improve the country’s infrastructure.