The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed that the FASTag system for collecting tolls will remain operational beyond May 1. Additionally, there are no plans to close toll plazas nationwide. Instead, a pilot program for a barrier-less tolling system is being tested at select sites, integrating Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with FASTag.
The current FASTag system to collect toll taxes will continue even after May 1, clarified the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The clarification comes after several reports surfaced suggesting that a satellite-based tolling system would be rolled out nationwide from 1 May 2025 that would replace the FASTag-based system.
No Toll Plaza Shutdown, ANPR-FASTag System Being Piloted at Select Locations
The government has further clarified that no decision has been made to shut down toll plazas across the country. Instead, MoRTH announced the pilot launch of a barrier-less tolling system at select locations, aiming to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion at toll booths. This upcoming system will use a hybrid model, integrating Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag infrastructure.
Under this setup, vehicles will be charged automatically as high-performance ANPR cameras read license plates, while FASTag RFID readers confirm payment, eliminating the need for stopping at toll booths.
The ministry also warned that violations will be penalised. E-notices will be sent to defaulters, and repeated non-compliance may result in FASTag suspension and other penalties under the VAHAN database.
