Discussion on satellite-supported toll collection system advocates for thorough consideration of security aspects and privacy concerns
In a significant development for the automotive sector, the FASTag annual pass is set to be launched across India in the coming days. This pass, available only for private passenger vehicle users, comes with a cost of ₹3,000 and can be purchased from the NHAI or MoRTH portal, or the Rajmargyatra application.
However, it's important to note that the satellite-based user fee collection system for tolls on national highways in India is not yet operational. An expert committee, including members from industry and academia, has recommended further deliberation before implementing satellite tolling due to ongoing security, privacy, and operational control concerns. As a result, the government has officially put the satellite tolling plans on hold.
Instead, the government is focusing on pilot projects of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag-based barrierless Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in selected highway stretches. One such stretch is NH-48 between Delhi and Jaipur. The goal of these pilot projects is to enable seamless, free-flow tolling without physical barriers, which should make travel faster and reduce congestion.
Here's a comparison of the current FASTag system, the proposed satellite-based system (on hold), and the ANPR-FASTag barrierless system (in pilot phase):
| Aspect | Current FASTag System | Proposed Satellite-based System (On Hold) | ANPR-FASTag Barrierless System (In Pilot Phase) | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Technology | RFID tags scanned at toll plazas | GPS/satellite tracking for toll calculation | Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras | | Toll Booth Interaction | Vehicles slow down at toll booths | No toll plazas; location-based charges | No toll plazas; barrierless free flow | | Operational Status | Fully operational nationwide | Not yet operational; under review | Pilot projects ongoing on selected highway stretches | | Security/Privacy Concerns | Managed within RFID system | Major concerns stated, causing delay | Uses ANPR tech with fewer privacy issues | | Goal | Efficient toll collection | Transparency, seamless charging | Faster, congestion-free tolling |
The government is also expanding FASTag options, such as an annual pass effective from August 15, 2025, allowing multiple toll passes without per-trip fees. The rationale for moving beyond FASTag includes eliminating physical toll booths for faster travel and reducing toll plaza congestion, achieved through Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) models supported initially by ANPR and potentially later by satellite systems.
As the satellite-based tolling system remains under evaluation with no fixed timeline, the government is enhancing and piloting barrierless ETC via ANPR-integrated FASTag technology to improve toll collection efficiency and traffic flow on national highways. The FASTag annual pass, with its promise of reducing travel costs for users, is set to be a viable solution in the interim.
[1] Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. (2025). Barrierless Toll Collection on National Highways: Progress and Future Plans. [Online] Available at: https://morth.gov.in/barrierless-toll-collection-national-highways-progress-and-future-plans
[2] The Economic Times. (2025). ANPR-FASTag Toll Collection: Government Plans to Eliminate Physical Booths, Reduce Congestion. [Online] Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto/anpr-fastag-toll-collection-government-plans-to-eliminate-physical-booths-reduce-congestion/articleshow/90535211.cms
[3] Business Standard. (2025). Barrierless Tolling: Government Invites Tenders for NH-48 Stretch. [Online] Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/barrierless-tolling-govt-invites-tenders-for-nh-48-stretch-125317300992_1.html
[4] Livemint. (2025). Expert Committee Raises Concerns over Satellite-Based Tolling on National Highways. [Online] Available at: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/expert-committee-raises-concerns-over-satellite-based-tolling-on-national-highways-11666886194004.html
[5] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025). FASTag Annual Pass Launch: Multiple Toll Passes without Per-Trip Fees. [Online] Available at: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1749406
The FASTag annual pass, due to be launched across India, utilizes RFID tags for toll collection at present ([5]). In contrast, the satellite-based tolling system, currently on hold due to concerns regarding security, privacy, and operational control ([4]), aims to use GPS/satellite tracking for toll calculation.
The government is focusing on pilot projects of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-FASTag barrierless system ([3]) to improve toll collection efficiency and reduce congestion on national highways, serving as a potential interim solution until the satellite-based system is fully operational.
