Bengaluru-Mysore and Panipat-Hisar Sections Chosen for Initial Testing

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Tejveer Singh July 25 ,2024 ||

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced the commencement of a pilot project for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based toll collection system, aimed at modernizing and complementing the existing FASTag system. This announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Pilot Testing Locations and System Evaluation:

The GNSS-based toll collection system will be initially tested on two significant national highway segments: the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. Minister Gadkari emphasized that a pilot study has already been conducted to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. Furthermore, an international workshop on GNSS-based tolling was held on June 25, 2024, to share insights and gather feedback from global experts. Additionally, a global expression of interest (EOI) process was initiated on June 7, 2024, with a submission deadline of July 22, 2024, to attract global players in this domain.

Logistics and Infrastructure Development:

Addressing another query, Gadkari detailed the ministry’s comprehensive master plan to enhance logistics through the development of expressways and high-speed highways under the PM Gatishakti Framework. This strategic plan leverages advanced transportation models and data analysis derived from e-way bills, toll collections, and traffic surveys to streamline and improve logistics efficiency across the nation.

Challenges and Delays in National Highway Projects:

Gadkari acknowledged the issue of delays plaguing national highway projects, citing that 697 projects have exceeded their original completion timelines. The primary causes for these delays include complications related to land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances, shifting utilities, removing encroachments, law and order challenges, financial difficulties faced by contractors, and unforeseeable force majeure events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall, floods, cyclones, and landslides.

Funding and Financial Status of NHAI:

Since 2014, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has secured loans and borrowings amounting to Rs 3.77 lakh crore to ensure the completion of its projects. Despite these efforts, approximately 20,000 km of national highways remain under construction as of the start of the current financial year. To accelerate the pace of development, the ministry maintains a shelf of projects at various stages of preparation.

Rescue and Relief Operations at Silkyara Tunnel:

In response to a query regarding expenditures on rescue and relief operations, Gadkari disclosed that Rs 1.94 crore has been spent to date on clearing bills related to such activities at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarakhand. He mentioned that a few bills remain unpaid, with the incurred expenses being handled by the engineering company involved in the operations.

Implications and Future Prospects:

The introduction of a GNSS-based toll collection system marks a significant shift towards more advanced and efficient tolling methods. By leveraging satellite technology, this system aims to reduce congestion at toll plazas, enhance revenue collection accuracy, and provide seamless travel experiences for road users. If successful, the pilot project could lead to a broader implementation across India’s vast network of highways, revolutionizing the country’s toll collection infrastructure.

The ministry’s focus on leveraging technology and data for infrastructure development underlines its commitment to modernizing India’s transport sector. The GNSS pilot, coupled with ongoing efforts to address project delays and financial bottlenecks, reflects a holistic approach to overcoming the challenges in national highway development. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to significantly contribute to India’s economic growth by improving logistics efficiency and connectivity.

The government’s proactive measures in addressing delays and financial challenges also highlight the importance of transparent and efficient project management. Ensuring timely completion of projects not only enhances infrastructure but also boosts public confidence in the administration’s capabilities.

In conclusion, the pilot project for a GNSS-based toll collection system is a crucial step towards modernizing India’s transportation infrastructure. Its successful implementation could pave the way for a more efficient and technologically advanced tolling system, benefiting millions of road users across the country.