Starting soon, drivers using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in their vehicles will enjoy toll-free travel for up to 20 kilometers daily on highways and expressways. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced this change on Tuesday.

Under the new regulations, private vehicles equipped with GNSS will not incur any toll charges for journeys of up to 20 kilometers each day. If the distance exceeds this limit, drivers will be charged based on the actual distance traveled. This adjustment comes as part of an amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

Key Changes with the New Regulations:

• Distance-Based Tolling: Fees will now be applied based on the actual distance traveled on national highways, including permanent bridges, bypasses, or tunnels.
• Zero Fee for Short Distances: Vehicles traveling less than 20 kilometers in a day will be exempt from toll charges.
• GNSS-Based Tolling: A GNSS system will track vehicle movements to determine fees.
• Exclusive Lanes for GNSS Vehicles: Dedicated lanes may be set up for vehicles with GNSS On-Board Units. Vehicles entering these lanes without a valid GNSS unit will be charged double the applicable user fee.
• Pilot Studies: Initial trials of this system have been conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar highway sections.
• Implementation Date: The exact start date for this new toll system has yet to be announced.

The road ministry had previously mentioned that the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System would be introduced on a pilot basis at selected national highway sections, complementing the existing FASTag system.

Keep this in mind while driving on the highway

PM Modi Calls For Global Best Practices in Indian Auto Industry