Scripting Toll Collection Revolution in India

Over the last decade, the tolling systems across the globe have revolutionized and undergone a remarkable transformation by incorporating technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems and Electronic Toll Collection supported by digital payment solutions. The establishment of Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by the National Highways Authority of India and mandating of NETC FASTag has played an important role in helping digitization of the Indian tolling ecosystem and in facilitating the adoption of digital payments in other segments as well.

FASTag made way for Fast Mobility

Utilizing RFID technology, FASTag enabled vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash payments. Initially, the Single Issuer Single Acquirer model was adopted, which witnessed limited penetration. Later, under the guidance of NHAI, the model transitioned to a Multi Issuer Multi Acquirer model in 2016, with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as the Central Clearing House (CCH). This strategic shift facilitated wider acceptance and usage of FASTag across the country. By 2023, 98% of toll collections were conducted electronically through FASTag.

According to a study report, the average waiting time at toll plazas was drastically reduced from 12 minutes to a mere 47 seconds. This significant reduction not only enhanced the user experience but also contributed to lower plaza operational cost, reduced fuel consumption and lower vehicular emissions, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

The Future: Global Navigation Satellite System based Tolling

Building on the success of FASTag, IHMCL is now poised to implement GNSS-based tolling in India. The innovative system, announced by the Hon’ble Minister Nitin Gadkari aims to revolutionize toll collection by charging users based on the actual distance travelled on national highways. GNSS technology will enable satellite tracking of vehicle movements, ensuring a seamless tolling process, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced congestion.

To facilitate the rollout of GNSS-based tolling, IHMCL has issued a Global Expression of Interest, inviting leading global players in GNSS tolling to participate in the procurement of robust, scalable, and efficient toll charger software.

  On the eve of a day long International Workshop on GNSS based Electronic Toll Collection in India put together by IHMCL on June 25, with multiple sessions on GNSS Toll Charger Software, AIS 140 compliant tracking devices and more, IHMCL’s Chairman & Managing Director Vishal Chauhan, IAS spoke to Mangala Chandran.

Interview

We have been hearing about the planning for swift deployment of GNSS by IHMCL nationwide. How challenging the planning has been?

GNSS has been on the agenda of the Government for some time and it has got inherent advantages. One, it is pay as per use and the other advantage is barrier less free flow vehicle movement eco-system. To ensure that the technology suits Indian conditions, extensive pilots and technology tests have been done in the last few years. Additionally, there has been numerous consultations, national workshops, Industry Consultations, study of global systems having GNSS Tolling, and an International Workshop to have the best of ideas, suggestions and also criticism.

The government formed an Apex Committee with eminent people- professors from IITs, IT experts from the private sector and the Government sector. The Committee made a road map with details like the kind of software that is required, what kind of On-Board Unit that is required or what kind of a road infrastructure is required. The Apex Committee examined every aspect in minutest detail. Then IHMCL had multiple rounds of meetings at the level of Chairman NHAI and at the level of Secretary, MoRTH and then also at the level of the Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways.

Subsequently, IHMCL has fine-tuned road map for GNSS based tolling. Our country has its own unique challenges and issues so the system has to use best of technology, best of system to suit our requirement. IHMCL has floated a concept note in the public domain now. Also, IHMCL has issued expression of interest for the toll charger and July 22, 2024 is the last date.

The International Workshop with four thematic areas – Toll charger, On-Board Unit, Issuer Entity and Road Infrastructure would further give ideas on the next steps to be taken. After the International workshop and after evaluating the suggestions received in Global EOI, IHMCL will finalize RFP and issue a global RFP.

The bottom line is that there should not be any loss to toll revenues to the government. Second thing is that it should ease the process of tolling. So, whatever system is adopted, it has to be in line with the human behavior of the road users. IHMCL is trying to develop best system for the country based on international and national learning.

IHMCL is very sure that like UPI, like Aadhaar, this too is going to be a system which is very effective in terms of technology and it will be much cost effective compared to the models adopted by other countries.

When can we expect GNSS based tolling being rolled out in India? Would you also provide insight into IHMCL’s approach to integrating GNSS based tolling system with existing infrastructure?

IHMCL is planning that by the end of this financial year, a few pilots getting successfully implemented with financial transaction. GNSS implementation is planned to be within the existing payment system (FASTag ecosystem) so that the already established robust payment mechanism is utilized for GNSS tolling also. The only difference would be that instead of Fixed-Point Toll, the toll under GNSS system would be calculated based on distance travelled.

How does IHMCL prioritize innovation and technology adoption?

IHMCL functions as the Technology arm of NHAI and hence it cannot afford to shy away from innovation and technology adoption. IHMCL is running the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) Program through regular innovation to bring convenience and ease in daily operations. Initiatives like ICD 2.5, One Vehicle One FASTag, e-KYC, QR code based FASTag, Use of FASTag for parking, EV charging, Green Tax etc. are a few to mention.

Regarding Interoperability…

Open Standards and Interoperability are key elements of numerous initiatives of Government like FASTag and UPI. It will remain the key element in all future technology initiatives of the Government including the GNSS based Tolling.

You are also into ATMS and especially in Dwarka Expressway…

The ATMS Solution at Dwarka Expressway is under implementation. The Project is based on latest 2023 ATMS Policy of NHAI which includes Surveillance of the entire Highway stretch and AI based Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System which will also facilitate generation of E-challans by Police and other Enforcement Agencies. The whole idea is that it should help in traffic management, it should help in reducing the accidents.

Is ATMS developed within your system?

No, it is done by NHAI also. The model can be different, somewhere concessionaire is providing, somewhere the EPC contractor is providing and in some places IHMCL provides the ATMS systems. But, the policy throughout will remain the same in all Expressways Highways.

There is also the 1033 helpline toll free that is very effective…

Yes. IHMCL also looks after the National Highways Helpline No.1033. The helpline receives more than 7000 calls per day from different parts of India. 1033 helps the road users in various ways including accident cases, medical emergencies, road side assistance (flat tyre etc.) and other humanitarian need cases. We are also taking steps to integrate the National Emergency Helpline No.112 and 1033 to further reduce the incident response time on National Highways. IHMCL does original destination survey as well. This helps NHAI in planning the road infrastructure.

Going with the vision of the Government, IHMCL will be focusing on road safety as well…

For road safety, IHMCL is into deployment of ATMS. Traffic patterns and driver behavior are monitored and black spots on the highways are identified. IHMCL is working in very close coordination with the Ministry but the point is that not all accidents are due to engineering defects, some are attributed to the human error as well. NHAI/ MoRTH is trying to ensure that students learn about the road safety issues well in advance.

Would you like to elaborate on IHMCL’s strategic vision for the next five years and how it aligns with the broader goals of the Indian highway sector.

Now you are aware that government is coming with a vision document where large kilometers of expressway and highways are to be made in the coming years. And the road furniture has a very important place, whether it is road signs, tolling systems or ATMS.