Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), invited global Expressions of Interest (EOI) on Friday (7 June, 2024), to provide a seamless, barrier-free tolling experience for National Highway users and to improve toll operation efficiency and transparency.
The EOI is targeted at innovative and qualified companies to develop and implement a GNSS-based electronic toll collection system in India.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways claimed that this initiative aims to improve tolling efficiency and transparency for National Highway users.
What is a GNSS-based ETC?
A GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to manage and collect tolls on highways. Here’s how it works and its key features:
Satellite Tracking: Vehicles are equipped with GNSS receivers that communicate with satellites to determine their exact location.
Distance-Based Tolling: The system calculates the toll based on the distance traveled on the toll road. This ensures that drivers pay only for the portion of the road they use.
Automatic Toll Calculation and Payment: As vehicles pass through virtual tolling points, the system automatically calculates the toll and deducts the amount from the driver’s prepaid account or bills them accordingly.
Data Transmission: The location and travel data are transmitted to a central system that manages billing and account updates.
New Feature Available in FASTag
NHAI plans to integrate the GNSS-based electronic toll collection (GNSS-ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem. Initially, both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate together in a hybrid model.
Dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas will allow vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through smoothly. As GNSS-based ETC adoption increases, all lanes will eventually convert to GNSS lanes.
Deadline for Submissions
The EOI aims to identify experienced and capable companies to leverage advanced satellite technology for developing robust, scalable, and efficient toll collection software. This software will form the basis for implementing GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) in India.
The EOI includes a complete implementation plan and invites suggestions. Interested companies should send their expressions of interest by emailing tenders@ihmcl.com by 3:00 PM on July 22, 2024.
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Curbing Toll Evaders
The GNSS-based electronic toll collection system will facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles on national highways.
Benefits for highway users include barrier-free tolling for hassle-free travel and distance-based tolling, where users pay only for the distance traveled. The system will also improve toll collection efficiency by reducing leakages and curbing toll evasion.
Overall, the GNSS-based electronic toll collection will enhance the travel experience for commuters on India’s national highways.
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