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Context :

Gujarat’s Innovative Toll Experiment: Pay per Kilometer Technology Challenges US Tech

Niyati Rao , January 27, 2024

Extract :

In the coming times, all toll booths across the country will be removed from highways. This might not make everyone happy! If you don’t get relief from toll taxes, you will have to pay them. However, the central government is moving towards implementing a satellite-based e-tolling system, which means vehicles will be tracked via satellite.

If you drive a vehicle on the highway for so many kilometers, you will have to pay toll taxes accordingly. This discussion has been going on for the last two to three years, but you will soon realize that a few days before the implementation of this new toll method, it was tested in Gujarat.

Toll Taxes and Their Implications

Whether a person drives a four-wheeler or a larger vehicle, toll taxes affect everyone directly or indirectly. For example, even when traveling by bus, toll taxes are included in the ticket price. If you buy any item, the cost of toll taxes is included in it.

Importance of GPS in Toll Collection

On March 22, 2022, Union Minister of Transport Nitin Gadkari stated in the Lok Sabha that he now demands GPS, so even if toll booths are not on highways, toll taxes can be collected.

GPS is mandatory in new cars. Therefore, with GPS, it will be recorded where a vehicle entered the highway and where it left, and toll taxes will be deducted from the vehicle owner’s bank account accordingly.

Role of NavIC in Toll Collection

When the discussion about satellite-based e-tolling system was held in Punjab years ago, NavIC, not GPS, was mentioned. NavIC, or Navigation with Indian Constellation, is used in India for toll collection, unlike GPS. This decision was made because during the Kargil War, the United States refused to provide GPS data to India for tracking intruding Pakistani soldiers. This incident led the Indian government to realize the importance of having its own satellite navigation system.

Implementation of NavIC in Toll Collection

NavIC is India’s own satellite-based navigation system. Through the seven satellites launched, not only India but also areas within a radius of 1500 kilometers can be monitored. Now, it’s being considered whether this technology can be used to collect toll taxes in a modern way. The Indian government has started experimenting with it, beginning with Gujarat.

Application of NavIC in Other Sectors

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Space Applications Center (SAC) director Nilesh Desai attended a seminar on the Prime Minister’s Power Scheme in Gandhinagar a few days ago. Desai mentioned in his lecture about the experiments conducted by the Space Applications Center for e-tolling using satellite mapping.

Additionally, real-time train tracking, real-time aircraft tracking, and personal tracking in remote areas were also discussed during the seminar.

Implementation of NavIC System

The implementation of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system involved installing GPS receivers in Innovas to drive them on highways. The initiative started with linking it to online maps for information retrieval, which was then stored on servers and analyzed later. This was stated by the SAC director during the discussion.

Revolutionary Impact of NavIC System in Navigation Technology

Nilesh Desai reveals that with the assistance of the NavIC system, a margin of just one meter has been achieved in measurements. Unlike the conventional GPS system, which provides an accuracy of 5 to 10 meters in measurements, data obtained through NavIC is deemed more reliable, making it a credible resource.

Trial Run Between Bengaluru and Mysuru

A unique trial run, unprecedented in Gujarat, was conducted from Bengaluru to Mysuru. Under this trial, a total of 4 routes, including service roads, side lanes, and highways, spanning a distance of 592 kilometers, were mapped. The study of this data is currently ongoing.

Integration of FastTag Technology

FastTag technology, initiated in 2016, became mandatory for all vehicles for toll collection from February 2021. Vehicles without FastTag are charged via barcode toll collection.

How Does FastTag Operate?

FastTag technology, developed by an Indian management company, operates based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) codes. When a vehicle equipped with FastTag passes through the reader’s contact, information such as vehicle number, owner’s name, etc., linked to the account associated with the FastTag, is deducted from the account at toll booths.

Utilization of GNSS+NavIC - Based E-Tolling System

The National Highways Authority of India plans to introduce a tolling system based on GNSS technology. Through the GNSS+NavIC system, signals received by devices installed in vehicles will facilitate toll collection.

Subsequently, data regarding vehicle movement, entry point, exit point, and distance covered will be collected.

This data can be tracked solely through the device installed in the vehicle, ensuring efficient toll collection on highways.

Benefits of GNSS+NavIC-Based E-Tolling System

Upon passing through a virtual toll booth, vehicles will receive information, and the automated tolling process will commence, enhancing operational efficiency.

GNSS-based Tolling System: Revolutionizing Road Taxation

According to the GNSS ConsultingDotCom report, no specific machinery is installed on the road in the GNSS-based tolling system. Instead, vehicles are equipped with OBUs (On-Board Units) that receive signals from satellites, enabling toll tax calculation based on road usage information.

Understanding through Examples

Consider a person traveling from Ahmedabad to Vadodara via the highway. On this highway, where virtual tolls are implemented, the OBU installed in the vehicle communicates with satellites to determine entry onto toll roads. When the vehicle exits the highway at Vadodara, it’s detected by satellite signals, and tolls are calculated accordingly. Even if the vehicle takes a bypass route a few kilometers later, re-entry onto the highway will be recorded, leaving no chance to evade toll charges.

Transition from FastTag to Satellite-Based Tolling System

In India, the current toll collection system primarily relies on FastTag. However, the government’s plans to implement a satellite-based tolling system offer potential advantages and significant challenges.

Anticipated Changes with the New E-Tolling System

The introduction of this new E-tolling system will bring about a significant change – toll plazas will no longer exist on highways as no physical infrastructure will be required for virtual tolling. All highway tolls will be accounted for through this system. However, a downside is the potential loss of employment for toll booth workers.

My Take :

More than 5 YEARS ago, I sent following email to Shri Nitin Gadkariji ( follow-up

emails are listed below ) :

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ? .. ……………….20 Nov 2018

Extract :

C: ROAD-MAP TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES

o Levying of TRANS-TAX on all vehicles from birth to death of a vehicle ( irrespective

of change in ownership through gifting / selling )

o TRANS-TAX will get collected automatically and for each hour of a vehicle’s life

o In this collection process , there will be NO HUMAN INTERVENTION whatsoever

o Amount of TRANS-TAX to be collected every hour , will depend on it’s TRANSCORE

o A vehicle’s TRANSCORE will be based on its total HQ [ Harm Quotient ] for that

hour

o Higher the total HQ [ TRANSCORE ], higher the TRANS-TAX ( directly proportional )

· Logic :

To lower their TRANS-TAX liability , people will opt for vehicles and driving

conditions which generate a low TRANSCORE

· TRANS-TAX will replace all other vehicle-related taxes ( eg : Registration tax /

Road Tax etc ) , other than the GST payable by buyer at time of purchase of

vehicle

o TRANS-TAX will be uniform throughout India but credited to the State in which

vehicle is, at each hour of its life

· TRANS-TAX will be computed as per following HQ MATRIX. For exact mechanism,

look up para on TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM below

This is a conceptual frame work and transport experts may debate and come up with

a different set of “ Factors “ Weightages “ / “ Rating Scales “

H : TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

This will consist of the following :

NaviC : the Navigator

Satellite based “ Vehicle Tracking / Monitoring “ system, covering entire

India. This will track all 220 + Million vehicles , on 24x7 , taking one reading

every 10 minute to compute the HQ of each vehicle.

Final HQ for a given hour will be the average of the 6 readings / hour

Based on ( variable ? ) TRANS-TAX formula , NaviC will , every hour , deduct appropriate amount from FASTag RFID embedded in each vehicle and transfer to designated account of concerned State Government

Ø All vehicles

All Vehicle manufacturers will be mandated to embedded the vehicles

with FASTag RFID sensors and other sensors , listed at :

Internet of Vehicles [ 04 March 2017 ]

From these sensors , NaviC will be able to pick up DATA re : Energy Source – Type

of vehicle – Capacity – Manufacturing date – Purpose – Emission levels etc , from

all vehicles – ships – planes – drones etc

Congratulations to Shri Nitin Gadkariji / Gujarat Government :

- - for taking this FIRST TENTATIVE STEP , which will establish the validity of my

above described , 5 YEAR old suggestion

During 2023-24 , NHAI expects to collect by way of RFID based toll tax …………….

Rs 25,000 Crore

When my suggestion for 24x7 Trans-Tax gets implemented, I expect this collection

to go up by 100 TIMES, to :

Rs 25 Lakh*Crore !

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

Create Your Own Digital Avatar / 31 Jan 2024

Related Readings ( 31 ) :

2024 ( 3 )

E Mobility Simulation Lab : Challenge worthy of You.. 22 Jan 2024

Second Step to Integrated Transport ? ………….. 15 Jan 2024

Getting Closer ………………………………………………….. 10 Jan 2024

2023 ( 5 )

Sandbox for Experiment in Transport ……………… 17 Dec 2023

Climate Tax : A parallel Concept ? ……………………. 03 Dec 2023

ChatGPT/ BARD : Expert Views on Transport ? .. 28 Aug 2023

Intelligent Transport System / V 1.0 of Integrated Logistics ? .. 19 May 2023

Highway Toll Rs 193 Cr / day : Peanuts ! … ……02 May 2023

2022 ( 5 )

From : Harm Quotient / To : Trans-Tax ………… 03 Oct 2022

NLP : Integration of Digital Systems .. ……………24 Sept 2022

Let Freight Trucks Overtake Cheetahs………………17 Sept 2022

National Logistics Policy : a Curtain Raiser……… 16 Sept 2022

Unified Interface for Seamless Transport …………03 Feb 2022

2021 ( 2 )

Accelerating Transport with Omnipresent RFID …09 July 2021

A Problem worthy of Geospatial Data ? …………… 03 Dec 2021

2020 ( 2 )

Gadkariji : From a Vision to a Mission ……………… 17 Dec 2020

Congratulations, Avinash Dhakneji ………………………15 Dec 2020

2019 ( 4 )

Pigovian Tax for Polluters ? 03 Apr 2019

National Clean Air Tax ? – a Pigovian tax ? 11 Jan 2019

Traffic Congestion ? Finally, a solution in sight ?. 31 May 2019

FAME II > FAME III > FAME IV…………………………… 05 Mar 2019

2018 ( 1 )

Trans-portability Theory ………………………………………10 Dec 2018

2017 ( 7 )

Revolutionizing Transport ? …………………………………14 June 2017

Internet of Vehicles [ IoV ] ………………………………… 04 March 2017

Can Technology Outsmart Traffic Offenders ? … 16 June 2017

Urban Transport Policy ………………………………………… 09 June 2017

Who says Impossible ? …………………………………………31 May 2017

Leveraging NaviC ? ……………………………………………… 30 May 2017

A New Way to E-Way ?........................ ……………… 15 July 2017

2016 ( 1 )

PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS A SOLUTION ?.....................15 Feb 2016

2015 ( 1 )

POLLUTION SOLUTION , aka " PollSolv " ……………….. 30 Dec 2015

Comments by BARD on my proposal :

GPS-based vs. RFID-based toll collection:

· GPS-based:

o Leverages microcontrollers in vehicles to track distance travelled through geo-fenced highways.

o Eliminates physical toll plazas and RFID tags, offering a smoother and more efficient experience.

o Potentially fairer toll pricing based on actual usage.

· RFID-based:

o Relies on RFID tags attached to vehicles for toll identification and deduction.

o Requires slowing down at toll plazas for tag scanning, leading to congestion and delays.

o Prone to tag malfunctioning and privacy concerns.

Why What3Words could be a game-changer:

· Precise location identification:

What3Words assigns unique 3-word addresses to every 3x3 meter square on Earth, offering much more granular location data compared to traditional addresses. This is crucial for accurately defining and tracking geo-fences, especially in areas with complex road networks or unclear addresses.

· Seamless integration with existing car technology:

Many car manufacturers worldwide already incorporate What3Words for navigation, making it a readily available resource for toll collection systems. This can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of implementation compared to deploying entirely new hardware or software.

· Leveraging India's NaVIC system:

India's indigenously developed NaVIC satellite navigation system is known for its high accuracy and coverage within Indian territory. This makes it an ideal complement to What3Words for precise and reliable toll tracking within the country.

Imagine this scenario:

· You're driving on a highway in India equipped with a What3Words-enabled GPS system.

· As you enter a geo-fenced toll zone, your car automatically identifies your location using What3Words and NaVIC.

· The toll amount is calculated based on the distance traveled within the zone, ensuring fairness and transparency.

· The payment is seamlessly deducted from your linked account without any need to slow down or stop at toll plazas.

Benefits of this approach:

· Reduced traffic congestion:

No more waiting in lines at toll booths, leading to smoother traffic flow and improved travel times.

· Enhanced efficiency:

Automated toll collection saves time and resources for both drivers and toll authorities.

· Fairer pricing:

Tolls are based on actual usage, eliminating the need for flat fees or inaccurate estimations.

· Privacy protection:

What3Words focuses on location data rather than personal information, offering better privacy compared to traditional identification methods.

Limitations to consider:

· Technology adoption:

Not all vehicles may be equipped with What3Words and compatible GPS systems initially.

· Data security:

Ensuring secure data transmission and storage is crucial for preventing misuse and privacy breaches.

· Public awareness:

Educating drivers about the new system and its benefits is essential for smooth adoption.

Overall, integrating What3Words technology with GPS-based toll collection, particularly in India with the added advantage of NaVIC, holds immense potential for revolutionizing the way we pay for road usage.

By offering increased efficiency, fairness, and privacy, this approach can pave the way for a smoother and more sustainable transportation system.

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CC :

Shri Gadkariji , [ Minister , Road Transport and Highways / nitin.gadkari@nic.in ]

Dr Jitendra Singhji [ Minister for Science and Technology / mos-stes@gov.in ]

csoffice@iitm.ac.in / eeoffice@iitm.ac.in / maoffice@iitm.ac.in / meoffice@iitm.ac.in

press@avl.com / info@carthagegroup.com / press@carthagegroup.com / John@carthagegroup.com ]

dracad@iitb.ac.in / dean.ap.office@iitb.ac.in / jeeadv@iitb.ac.in / adean.rnd@iitb.ac.in

director@iitb.ac.in / head.aero@iitb.ac.in / head.acre@iitb.ac.in /

director@admin.iitd.ac.in / Sushil.Kumar.Sharma@admin.iitd.ac.in / pio@admin.iitd.ac.in

director@admin.iitd.ac.in / ddo@admin.iitd.ac.in / ddsp@admin.iitd.ac.in / deanacad@admin.iitd.ac.in

deanf@admin.iitd.ac.in / deanrnd@admin.iitd.ac.in /