Barrier-free tolling on several NHs across country from December: Gadkari
This new system facilitates barrier-free tolling using integrated technologies, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with AI analytics and RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag).
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Context
The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the implementation of barrier-free tolling on several national highways within the next year (MoRTH aims for a pilot rollout on 5,000 km of highways by 2024-25). This announcement, made at the various industry summits/official statements regarding GNSS tolling (e.g., statements made in the Lok Sabha or to the press in early 2024), is part of a broader strategy to enhance national infrastructure and reduce logistics costs in India.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance
The shift towards barrier-free tolling exemplifies a transition in governance towards e-governance and the use of technology for public service delivery. Traditional toll plazas often face issues like congestion, long wait times, and fuel wastage, highlighting inefficiencies in public service management. By leveraging technologies such as (RFID-based) or the upcoming (GNSS) based tolling, the government aims to facilitate seamless movement of traffic. This reform is not just about convenience; it addresses the core governance objective of improving the ease of living and ease of doing business. The implementation of such systems also involves data management and privacy considerations, which are key aspects of modern digital governance. UPSC questions might focus on the role of technology in improving public service delivery, the challenges in implementing nationwide digital infrastructure projects, or the balance between efficiency and data privacy in such systems.
Economic
The primary economic driver for barrier-free tolling is the reduction of logistics costs. India's logistics costs are historically high compared to developed nations, negatively impacting the competitiveness of Indian goods in global markets. High logistics costs act as a hidden tax, increasing the final price of products. By eliminating bottlenecks at toll plazas, the government aims to decrease transit times, lower fuel consumption, and improve fleet turnaround times. This aligns with broader initiatives like the , which seeks to bring down logistics costs to single digits as a percentage of GDP. Furthermore, improved infrastructure and lower logistics costs are vital for the success of manufacturing initiatives like and (National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity). UPSC might ask to analyze the impact of infrastructure bottlenecks on India's manufacturing sector or evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing logistics costs.
Environmental
While the primary stated goal is economic, barrier-free tolling has significant environmental implications, primarily concerning emissions reduction. Traditional toll plazas contribute to increased vehicular emissions due to idling, acceleration, and deceleration. By enabling continuous movement, the new system reduces fuel wastage and consequently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is particularly relevant in the context of India's commitments under the to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP. Furthermore, reducing congestion at toll plazas can marginally improve local air quality, addressing concerns related to (PM) pollution near these sites. However, it's also crucial to consider the potential for induced demand—smoother travel might encourage more vehicle use, potentially offsetting some emission gains. UPSC could frame questions around the environmental benefits of intelligent transportation systems or the role of infrastructure modernization in achieving climate goals.