On April 18, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a clarification regarding recent reports suggesting that the satellite-based toll collection system would replace the existing FASTag system starting from May 1, 2025. The Ministry made it clear that there has been no decision regarding the nationwide rollout of satellite tolling at this time. While there had been speculation about the new tolling system replacing FASTags by May 1, MoRTH emphasized that no such decision has been taken by either the Ministry or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The confusion arose after Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that the GNSS-based satellite tolling system would be introduced soon, following multiple delays. Initially slated for an April 1 rollout, the implementation has been postponed, with the Ministry now planning a phased introduction of the satellite tolling system by the end of April. However, as of now, the satellite-based tolling system is not expected to replace the existing FASTag system on May 1, 2025, as some reports had suggested.

To alleviate traffic congestion at toll plazas and streamline toll collection, the government is implementing a new "Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system" at selected toll plazas across the country. This advanced system will combine ANPR technology with the existing FASTag system to facilitate seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll booths. The ANPR cameras will read vehicle number plates, while the FASTag system will automatically deduct toll charges via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

The system aims to improve the toll collection process by reducing travel time and congestion at toll plazas. With vehicles no longer needing to stop for toll payments, the new technology promises faster passage through toll booths, enhancing the overall efficiency of highway travel. Non-compliance with toll payments will be addressed through e-notices, and violators may face penalties, including suspension of their FASTag and other related fines through the VAHAN system.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also invited bids for the installation and implementation of this "ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System" at select toll plazas. This move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernize the toll collection system and reduce manual intervention in toll payment processes.

While the satellite tolling system remains in the works, the integration of ANPR with FASTag represents a significant step toward achieving a more efficient, automated toll collection system that will minimize delays and enhance the convenience of drivers across the country. This system is expected to be deployed at key toll points, ensuring that highways and toll booths operate with greater fluidity and less traffic bottlenecks.

Overall, this initiative is seen as part of the larger effort to upgrade India’s transportation infrastructure and make road travel more efficient and less time-consuming for commuters. However, the transition to satellite-based tolling remains a work in progress and is not expected to take place immediately as speculated.

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