Satellite-Based Toll System Not Rolling Out On This Date: MoRTH Clarifies

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a clarification following media reports suggesting the launch of a satellite-based tolling system across India from May 1, 2025. According to the ministry, no such decision has been taken regarding nationwide implementation.

The clarification note said, "that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025.

In order to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be implemented at selected toll plazas.

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The advanced tolling system will combine ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology, which will identify vehicles by reading their number plates and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN-related penalties.

NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficienc, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country."

How the New System Works

The ANPR-FASTag-based system uses high-speed cameras and RFID readers:

The system is designed to work without boom barriers, allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping.

Kartick Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies, said, “The integration of ANPR technology with FASTag in India’s upcoming barrier-less tolling system is a step towards efficient, contactless mobility. A vehicle’s number plate plays a critical role in this system, as ANPR cameras capture and match the number plate data with backend systems to enable accurate vehicle identification and toll deduction. High-quality, tamper-proof number plates—such as HSRPs—are essential for the reliability of such systems.”