By TIOL News Service

CHENNAI, DEC 18, 2020: A new GPS-based technology for toll collection, finalised by the government, will make Indian highways toll booth free within the next two years, said Minister of Road Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari on Thursday.

The GPS-based(Global Positioning System) technology will ensure seamless movement of vehicles across the country, the minister said at the ASSOCHAM Foundation Week Programme.

In the new system, the toll amount will be deducted directly from the individual's bank account based on the movement of vehicles. Mr Gadkari noted that all commercial vehicles manufactured now come with vehicle tracking systems and the government is planning to come up with a mechanism to install GPS technology in older vehicles as well.

Implementing the technology will not only help reduce traffic congestion but also save money spent on maintaining such toll booths and barriers. Moreover, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) could see its income almost triple over the next five years.

While toll collections will reach Rs 34,000 crore by March 2021, Mr Gadkari informed, "By using GPS technology for toll collection,the toll income in next five years will be Rs 1.34 lakh crore."