New Delhi [India], April 18 (ANI): The central government has clarified that the satellite-based tolling system Will not commence operations starting May 1, 2025, as a substitute for the current FASTag-based toll collection system.

The clarification follows reports indicating that satellite-based toll systems will take over from FASTag for toll collection beginning in May.

"This is to clarify that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025," said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a statement.

To facilitate smooth, obstacle-free passage for vehicles at toll plazas and minimize travel time, a ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System Will be introduced at chosen toll stations, the ministry has added.

The sophisticated tolling system will integrate 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) technology, used to identify vehicles through their license plates, along with the current 'FASTag system,' which employs Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for automatic toll charges.

Under this system, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, eliminating the need to stop at toll plazas.

If there’s a failure to comply, E-Notices will be issued to those who violate the rules, and failing to make payments could lead to the deactivation of their FASTags as well as additional penalties related to VAHAN services.

The ministry mentioned that NHAI has sought tenders for implementing the ' ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System ', which will be set up at chosen toll plazas.

Depending on how well the system performs, its efficiency, and the feedback from users, a choice about rolling it out nationally will be made, according to the ministry.

All National Highway Toll Plazas operate on ICD 2.5 protocol which gives real-time tag status, hence the FASTag customers can recharge any time before crossing the Toll Plaza.

FASTag users are advised to connect their FASTag wallets to UPI, Current, or Savings accounts via the automatic top-up feature to avoid having to manually reload funds. Users have the flexibility to replenish their FASTags at any point prior to arriving at a toll booth through multiple payment methods including UPI, online banking, among others. (ANI)