Satellite-Based Highway Toll Collection: A Step Towards Faster and Smoother Traffic Flow

Satellite-Based Highway Toll Collection: A Step Towards Faster and Smoother Traffic Flow

Sub : Sci

Sec : Awareness in IT

Why in News

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based software to monitor real-time traffic conditions at highway toll plazas. The new system aims to reduce wait times and improve traffic flow. Additionally, MoRTH is working on implementing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection, which could eventually replace the current FASTag system, addressing congestion at toll booths more effectively.

GIS-based Software

Developed by: Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Purpose: To provide real-time monitoring of wait times and congestion at specific toll lanes, helping commuters plan better and avoid long queues.

Functionality of the GIS-based Software

Data Provided: The name and location of the toll plaza and queue lengths in meters, wait times, and vehicle speeds.

Traffic Analysis: The software will offer comparative traffic condition analyses on an hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure traffic data transparency and smoother operations.

Satellite-Based Tolling System (GNSS)

Development: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is also working on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system.

Coexistence with FASTag: Initially, the GNSS-based system will operate alongside the existing FASTag system. Both systems will function simultaneously to ensure a smooth transition.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to a constellation of satellites providing signals from space that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers. The receivers then use this data to determine location.

By definition, GNSS provides global coverage. Examples of GNSS include Europe’s Galileo, the USA’s NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia’s GLONASS)and China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and India ‘s IRNSS – NAVIC.

The performance of GNSS is assessed using four criteria:

Accuracy: the difference between a receiver’s measured and real position, speed or time;

Integrity: a system’s capacity to provide a threshold of confidence and, in the event of an anomaly in the positioning data, an alarm;

Continuity: a system’s ability to function without interruption;

Availability: the percentage of time a signal fulfils the above accuracy, integrity and continuity criteria.

GNSS-based ETC is a technology that allows toll collection based on the distance traveled by a vehicle on highways using satellite navigation systems.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): A satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to GNSS receivers on the ground.

How Does It Work?

Onboard Unit (OBU): Vehicles are equipped with OBUs that communicate with GNSS satellites. These units track the vehicle’s movement and record the distance traveled.

Automatic Tolling: As vehicles pass through the highway, the GNSS-based system calculates the toll based on the distance traveled and debits the amount from the user’s account automatically, without needing physical toll booths.

No Boom Barriers: Unlike the FASTag system, GNSS-based tolling does not require boom barriers at toll plazas, reducing delays and congestion.

Comparison with FASTag

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a reloadable electronic tag that enables automatic toll payments without the need for physical cash transactions. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to deduct toll fees when the vehicle passes through a toll plaza.

How It Works: Once activated, the FASTag is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen. As the vehicle passes through a toll booth, the RFID reader detects the tag, and the toll is automatically deducted from the associated account, reducing the need for stopping at toll plazas.

Key Features of FASTag

Validity: The FASTag is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

Colour-Coding System: FASTags come in seven different colours (violet, orange, yellow, green, pink, blue, black), each assigned to a particular category of vehicles to differentiate between vehicle types such as private cars, commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks.

FASTag was rolled out in April 2016, and it became mandatory for all new vehicles (cars and trucks) sold after December 1, 2017, to have FASTags installed before they were sold.

Nationwide Coverage: FASTag is operational on national and state highways, making it the preferred mode of toll collection for seamless travel across India’s extensive highway network.

Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL): A company incorporated by NHAI, responsible for implementing the FASTag program and managing toll collection across the country.

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI): The NPCI supports the integration of FASTag with the payment systems and ensures seamless transactions between banks, toll plazas, and customers.

What is RFID Technology?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

Components:

RFID Tag: Consists of a microchip and antenna. It stores information, which is transmitted when the tag comes into the range of an RFID reader.

RFID Reader: A device that uses radio waves to communicate with the tag and capture its information.

Working Mechanism: The reader sends a radio signal, which is received by the tag. The tag then transmits the stored information back to the reader, enabling identification and data collection without physical contact.

Types of RFID Tags

Active RFID Tags: Equipped with a battery and can send data to a reader over long distances (up to 100 meters).

Passive RFID Tags: Do not have an internal power source. They rely on the reader’s signal to transmit data and typically work over shorter ranges (a few centimeters to meters).

Applications of RFID

Supply Chain Management: Used to track goods and products from manufacturing to delivery, providing real-time information on inventory and logistics.

Transportation: RFID is commonly used in toll collection systems, such as the FASTag system in India, where it allows vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions.

Security and Access Control: RFID is used in ID cards, passports, and access control systems to manage entry into secured areas.

The introduction of a GIS-based software for real-time monitoring and the upcoming GNSS-based toll collection system are set to revolutionize highway travel in India.

Convenience for Users

Faster Passage: The satellite-based toll collection system is expected to speed up the toll plaza process significantly. Currently, the FASTag system, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, takes about a minute to process a vehicle.

Issues with FASTag: The delay in reading FASTag codes and raising boom barriers has led to long queues and sometimes even disputes among drivers.

Current Usage of FASTag: Launched in 2015 and made mandatory in 2021, FASTag is responsible for more than 98% of user fee payments at National Highway toll plazas as of March 2024.