TrafficInfraTech Magazine Linking People Places & Progress
Jaiswal also clarified that IHMCL was trying to create its own payment systems. But NPCI system would continue for the data already created. There is a move to correct flaws in authentication like multiple and bad quality tags, errors by RFID readers etc. in the next few months by talking to system integrators, banks and NPCI.
Anshuman briefed that based on the company’s self-funded pilot project for GPS on 40 vehicles on the Purvanchal Expressway using VTS like AIS140, they were not able to accurately locate the vehicles using the said technology. Clarification is needed on whether the government would release SOPs for tariff calculation for passenger vehicles and load-bearing vehicles on the expressways as system integrators would need guidelines in order to be prepared for future requirements.
Pawar added that as system integrators, because of lack of clear directive, they were unsure whether to focus on the betterment of current solutions or developing new ones and new products required for GNSS technology.
The group wanted to understand whether the navigation system to be used would be the Indian navigation system or the GLONASS western technology. It was clarified that neither the navigation system nor the technology was the objective. If the focus was to collect Rs.368 crore for the state of Karnataka from 57 tolls, it was up to the bidders to decide which technology to use to enhance the objective and how they planned to share it. As part of the bidding parameter, the bidder could assure that he would collect 412 crores instead of 368 and share 10% of the excess amount collected. The system integrators should think like entrepreneurs, for that was what the Government expects of them.
The system Integrators would do so but requested the government’s support on standardization of number plates in India. Collection and enforcement were very challenging for them.
Jaiswal clarified that enforcement was not the primary challenge, highlighting that the concessioner successfully collected 95% to 98% of the toll using their own methods, which might not align with government approaches. To address defaulters, he proposed using recovery vans, enabling the retrieval of five times the toll from offenders. He expressed determination to gain government approval for these solutions and prepare bidders accordingly. Illustrating this, he cited the example of toll collection on the Bangalore to Mysore stretch, where approximately 12 lakh rupees were collected daily from two toll plazas. Encouraging bidders to propose their preferred technology for ensuring assured toll collection, he envisioned citizen compliance with toll payments over time, expecting greater discipline and adherence to legal obligations.
At present, Jaiswal believed that ANPR technology was more sustainable and reliable as it could definitely ensure collection of money for the authorities which was why he was proposing to run a pilot with GNSS technology in line with enforcement.
Enforcement and the necessity for a standardized approach in technology adoption remained recurring themes. The dialogue encompassed concerns about vehicle overloading, emphasizing the need for banning overloaded vehicles regardless of technological interventions. One could afford an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, but not overloaded ones. Recently, a few bridges had been damaged as a result of overload.
Another clarification sought was when it came to adopting technology, was there a policy that it would be implemented on new vehicles first.
The answer was that GNSS system has three to four verticals, one of which is the distribution of OBU (On Board Unit). OBU would be available for both, the existing and new vehicle and there would be an amendment to this effect in the Motor Vehicle Act. It would be available to all vehicles (commercial and passenger).
The session concluded with insights into the NHAI ATMS policy’s enhancements. It underscored the importance of digitizing traffic rule enforcement through advanced camera systems and the development of digital highways with integrated utility corridors.
As India grapples with the complexities of traffic management technologies, the discussions illuminated the necessity for a balanced approach. It calls for embracing innovation while leveraging the strengths of established systems.