The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirms that FASTag will continue as the primary toll system; GPS-based tolling is only in trial phase on select routes like Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
New Delhi | April 20, 2025
Dismissing recent media speculation, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially clarified that FASTag will not be replaced by GPS-based tolling from May 1, 2025. The government emphasized that there is no nationwide rollout planned for GPS or satellite-based toll collection systems at present.
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Instead, a new hybrid tolling system, combining Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with the existing FASTag framework, is being tested on select corridors, including the New Delhi-Mumbai expressway. The outcome of this pilot project and user feedback will determine if broader implementation will follow.
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“There is no such decision to implement a satellite-based tolling system from May 1,” the ministry said, urging commuters to continue using their FASTag accounts, preferably linked with UPI or auto-recharge options.
🔍 What is the New ANPR-FASTag Hybrid System?
The ANPR-FASTag Barrier-Less Tolling System uses AI-enabled cameras to read vehicle number plates and cross-verifies them with RFID-based FASTag accounts—eliminating the need to stop at toll booths.
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✅ How It Works:
- ANPR cameras capture number plates.
- RFID readers verify the FASTag affixed on the vehicle.
- If matched, the toll is automatically deducted.
- If unmatched or insufficient balance, the system logs the vehicle and issues an e-notice or triggers penalty actions via the VAHAN portal.
🌟 Benefits of the Hybrid System:
- No halting at toll booths = reduced travel time
- Barrier-free traffic flow, improving highway efficiency
- Postpaid toll recovery for non-compliant vehicles
- Potentially lower operational costs in the long term
⚠️ Important Note for Drivers:
- FASTag remains fully operational and mandatory at all current toll plazas.
- The hybrid model is only a pilot program—not a full-fledged national system.
- The Delhi-Mumbai route is one of the few locations where the trial is ongoing.
Tags: FASTag, GPS tolling, ANPR toll, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, toll collection system, India highways, RFID tolling, barrier-less toll, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway