Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway: Why Are Toll Booths Being Closed On This Route?

A pilot study for a satellite-based toll collection system on the 119 km long Bangalore-Mysore National Highway is set to begin soon, representing a move towards phasing out traditional toll booths across the country. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is transitioning from the current FASTag system to a more advanced satellite-based solution.

A senior NHAI official has announced that this new system will be on trial on the Bangalore-Mysuru Expressway, one of the two highways selected for the pilot study in Karnataka. Preparations for the trial are underway, with the pilot expected to start in August. The Indian Highways Management Company Limited, in collaboration with NHAI, will oversee the implementation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for this trial.

According to the official, the GNSS system will be tested on a specific stretch of the Bangalore-Mysore highway. During this trial phase, the existing FASTag system will remain in use to ensure a smooth transition. The GNSS system will employ geo-fencing technology to monitor the highway. Vehicles will be tracked via GPS devices installed in them, and tolls will be calculated based on the distance traveled from entry to exit points. This approach aims to streamline toll collection and alleviate congestion at traditional toll booths.

While the initial phase will require vehicles to have GPS devices for toll collection, the highway authority is also considering an alternative method using number plate recognition. If successful, this could eliminate the need for GPS devices by using automatic number plate recognition cameras to record entry and exit points. This initiative represents a major technological advancement in toll collection, promising greater efficiency and convenience for commuters. The success of this pilot study could lead to a nationwide rollout, revolutionizing toll collection in India.