TrafficInfraTech Magazine Linking People Places & Progress
In the fast-paced world of transportation infrastructure, the question of whether to overhaul mature, functioning systems with untested, cutting-edge technologies sparks intense debate. This critical discussion took center stage during a recent panel featuring influential industry leaders in the domain of automated traffic monitoring systems. The panelists Vivek Jaiswal, COO, Indian Highway Management Company Limited–IHMCL; Sandeep Pawar, MD & CEO, Kent Intelligent Transportation Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. ; Sainath Gurav, Co-founder & Managing Director, Sthaar Consulting Private Limited; Vineesh Kumar Parayee, Regional Head – Operation (Roads & Bridges), L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Limited and Anshuman Singh, Managing Director, Superwave Communication and Infrasolution Private Limited–SCAIPL, tackled the question of whether to adopt new, untried technologies or maintain existing mature systems for tolling operations.
Led by Vivek Jaiswal, the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL), the panel opened the dialogue by stressing the importance of tackling the core issue of toll fee collection. Jaiswal emphasized the symbiotic relationship necessary between bidders and authorities to ensure robust enforcement mechanisms. He proposed a stationary enforcement system leveraging Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to capture vehicle numbers and enforce toll payments. Furthermore, discussions unfolded on addressing non-payment challenges, contemplating amendments to fee rules that could potentially impose escalated penalties on defaulters.
However, the implementation hurdles of enforcement mechanisms and the practicality of dealing with older vehicle systems, like the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP), raised concerns. While solutions such as mobile enforcement units and legal recourse for non-payment were discussed, challenges persisted, including delayed toll fee collection and procedural complexities.
Jaiswal responded that they were still finalising the procedure. If the road user broke the rule by not paying toll, there would be a record of the same. He would be charged five times the amount by mobile enforcement recovery units. These units would not stop the defaulter on the road but would catch him when he makes pit stops at restaurants or petrol pumps. Another way was to send a challan and if the due did not get paid within a month, it would lead to litigation and end up in court. However, the toll fee would be held up for three to five months, so that was a challenge. He sought suggestions from the industry on probable solutions.