Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Centre Chooses FASTag for Barrier-Free Tolling
The Indian government has decided to use FASTag and ANPR technology for toll collection on national highways instead of a GPS-based system.
This decision was made after expert committees raised concerns about security and privacy risks with GPS.
The new system allows vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping, using electronic toll collection.
Five toll plazas are already using this system, and more are planned.
The FASTag Annual Pass scheme has been very popular, with millions of passes issued.
Users can report issues through various helplines and an app.
The Centre has chosen FASTag and ANPR for barrier-free toll collection on national highways.
GPS-based tolling was delayed due to security and privacy concerns.
Five toll plazas are already operational with the new system.
Additional bids have been invited for 104 more toll plazas.
The FASTag Annual Pass scheme has seen significant adoption, with 77 lakh passes issued.
- Who
- Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari
- What
- Implementation of barrier-free toll collection using FASTag, ANPR, and AI-based analytics
- When
- Decision made and announced in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday
- Where
- National highways across India
- Why
- To enhance toll operations, enable seamless movement of vehicles, and address concerns over security, privacy, and operational control of GPS-based systems
FASTag and ANPR Proponents
GPS-Based Tolling Advocates
Technology Choice
FASTag and ANPR Proponents
FASTag and ANPR are reliable, secure, and already implemented technologies that ensure seamless toll collection without compromising privacy.
GPS-Based Tolling Advocates
GPS-based tolling offers more precise location tracking and could potentially streamline toll collection processes further.
Security and Privacy
FASTag and ANPR Proponents
FASTag and ANPR systems have proven security measures in place, reducing risks of privacy breaches and operational control issues.
GPS-Based Tolling Advocates
GPS-based systems could face significant security and privacy concerns, including potential breaches and operational control challenges.
- Technology Implemented
- FASTag, ANPR, AI-based analytics
- Committees Involved
- Apex Committee, High-Level Empowered Committee
- Toll Plazas Live
- 5 (Choryasi, Mundka, Gharaunda, Manoharpura, Daulatpura)
- Additional Bids Invited
- 104 toll plazas
- FASTag Annual Pass Adoption
- 77 lakh passes issued as of June 2026
- Annual Pass Transactions
- 33% of all electronic toll collection transactions by cars, jeeps, and vans
- Grievance Redressal
- Toll-free helpline 1033, dedicated email, FASTag issuer bank helplines, Rajmarg Yatra app
- User Fee Collection
- 98% through FASTag under the National Electronic Toll Collection programme