New Delhi, Apr 18 (UNI) The government on Friday dismissed media reports that a satellite-based tolling system will be launched from 1st May and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system.

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

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, the official statement said.

The advanced tolling system will combine ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology, that 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, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country, the statement added.

UNI RBE KK