Vehicles to pass without stopping at toll geat
New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that India will roll out a barrier-free toll collection system on several national highways by December. The move aims to allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping, making travel faster and more efficient.
Speaking at the ‘Logistics Shakti Summit and Awards 2026,’ Gadkari said the new system will rely on advanced technologies like AI-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and RFID-based FASTag.
How the New Toll System Will Work
Under this system, cameras will automatically read vehicle number plates while FASTag sensors identify and deduct toll charges directly. This means drivers won’t need to slow down or queue at toll plazas.
If a vehicle fails to comply-uch as not having a valid FASTag-an e-notice will be issued. Continued non-payment could lead to FASTag suspension and penalties linked to the government’s VAHAN database.
Focus on Reducing Logistics Costs
Gadkari stressed that improving infrastructure is key to lowering logistics costs, which is essential for India’s economic growth. According to recent studies by leading institutions, India’s logistics costs have already dropped from 16% to around 10% due to better highways and expressways.
For comparison, logistics costs are about 12% in the US and Europe, and 8-10% in China.
Push for Alternative Fuels
The minister also highlighted India’s heavy dependence on imported fuel, noting that nearly 87% of oil needs are met through imports. He emphasized the need to boost biofuel production and invest in future energy sources like green hydrogen.
Gadkari added that reducing the cost of hydrogen fuel infrastructure will be crucial for making it widely usable.
Vision for Growth
He concluded by saying that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on track to become a $5 trillion economy, with better infrastructure and lower logistics costs playing a major role.
This new tolling system could significantly cut travel time, reduce fuel consumption, and make highway journeys smoother across the country.
