The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited expression of interest (EOI) from companies from around the world to develop and implement GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) in India, via the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL).
The ultimate aim is to provide seamless and barrier-free tolling experience to National Highway users and enhance efficiency and transparency of toll operations,Â
NHAI plans to implement the GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially using a hybrid model where both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously. Â
Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using the GNSS-based ETC to pass through freely. As GNSS-based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.
To leverage the advance satellite technology, the EOI aims to identify experienced and capable companies that can deliver a robust, scalable, and efficient toll charger software, which will serve as the backbone for the implementation of GNSS (global navigation satellite system) based ETC in India.
The EOI also includes a complete plan of implementation and invites suggestions on the same. Interested companies can email their interest to tenders@ihmcl.com  by 1500 hrs (IST) on July 22, 2024.
Implementation of GNSS based ETC in India will facilitate smooth movement of vehicles along and is envisaged to provide many benefits to highway users such as barrier less free-flow tolling leading to hassle-free riding experience and distance-based tolling where users will pay only for the stretch they have travelled.
The GNSS based ETC will also result in more efficient toll collection as it helps to plug leakages and check toll evaders.
