NHAI Denies Satellite-based Tolling from May 2025; Announces ANPR-FASTag for Barrier-free Toll Collection

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially denied media reports about replacing FASTag with a satellite-based tolling system from May 2025. Instead, the authority announced trials of a new “ANPR-FAStag hybrid system” that will enable completely barrier-free toll collection at select plazas, combining automatic number plate recognition with existing RFID technology for seamless vehicle movement.

Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through FASTag and high-performance Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which read and digitise vehicles’ number plates in real time for seamless toll collection. As vehicles approach the toll plaza, the system first attempts to deduct payment automatically via the FASTag RFID scanner. Simultaneously, high-speed ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras capture the license plate as a backup. If the FASTag payment succeeds, the vehicle passes through without stopping. In cases of payment failure or tag absence, the ANPR system generates an e-challan sent to the vehicle owner, with penalties including FASTag deactivation and restrictions on VAHAN services. This dual-layer technology ensures 100% toll compliance while enabling barrier-free, high-speed passage, eliminating queues and reducing travel time.

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