Global Navigation Satellite System based Electronic Toll Collection (GNSS-ETC)
Context:
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways discussed the use of the Global Navigation Satellite System based Electronic Toll Collection (GNSS-ETC) in India.
GNSS-based ETC:
- It utilises satellites to track vehicle movement and calculate tolls based on distance travelled.
- Process:
- Identification: Toll plazas, equipped as Stationary Enforcement Gantries, recognize vehicles using GNSS.
- Centralised Toll Calculation: A central system calculates the distance travelled and the corresponding toll for vehicles on GNSS routes.
- On-board Units (OBUs): Fitted in vehicles, sending distance and time stamps to the Toll Charger.
- OBU Onboarding: Managed by issuer entities, similar to banks under the FASTag system.
- Payment Mechanism: Aligned with the existing FASTag system.
- Benefits of GNSS-based ETC: It will enable seamless travel and reduce road congestion
- Barrier-free, free-flow tolling for a hassle-free riding experience.
- Distance-based tolling charges based on the distance travelled on tolled highways.
- Prevents revenue leakage and curbs toll evasion, resulting in a more efficient toll collection system.
How will it be different from FASTag? Unlike FASTag, the satellite-based toll collection system operates using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), including technologies such as GPS and India’s GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN).
- Integration with Existing Systems:
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- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to integrate GNSS technology within the existing FASTag ecosystem.
- Initially, a hybrid model will be used, with RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC operating simultaneously.
- Dedicated GNSS lanes will be introduced at toll plazas for vehicles opting for GNSS-based ETC.
RFID Technology: