GNSS Toll Connection – India’s highways are about to undergo a big change. Starting May 1, 2025, the way we pay tolls will start shifting from FASTag to a more advanced system called GNSS. This new method, based on satellite technology, promises smoother travel, more accurate toll charges, and less waiting at toll plazas. If you’re a daily commuter, a road-tripper, or just someone curious about how this will affect your drive, here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
What Is GNSS and Why Is It Replacing FASTag?
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. Unlike FASTag, which uses RFID and needs scanners at toll plazas, GNSS works through satellites. It tracks how far your vehicle travels on a toll road and charges you based on the exact distance, not fixed entry and exit points. The aim is to make toll collection smarter, faster, and fairer.
FASTag was a major upgrade from cash tolls, but it had its flaws. Sometimes it failed to scan properly, and vehicles still had to slow down or stop at plazas. GNSS removes all that hassle and makes the entire toll process automatic.
How Will the GNSS System Work?
To make this happen, your vehicle needs a small gadget called an OBU or Onboard Unit. This device will be installed in your vehicle and will connect with satellites to track your route on toll roads. The toll amount will then be deducted automatically from your linked account based on how many kilometers you drove on that road.
Here is what you’ll need to do:
- Register your vehicle with the GNSS system
- Get the OBU installed at an authorized center
- Link your payment method (bank account or wallet)
- Drive as usual, without stopping at toll plazas
GNSS vs FASTag – A Quick Look
| Feature | FASTag | GNSS-Based Tolling |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | RFID | Satellite (GNSS) |
| Charges Based On | Fixed stretch | Actual distance |
| Toll Booth Required | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Movement | Must slow/stop | Continuous flow |
| Setup Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Accuracy | Moderate | High |
Toll Charges: What Will You Pay?
Under GNSS, tolls will be calculated per kilometer. The current expected rate is around one point five rupees per kilometer. So if you only use a short stretch of the highway, you pay less compared to the fixed rates under FASTag.
Let’s look at some examples:
- Delhi to Agra (165 km): You pay around two hundred forty seven rupees, compared to three sixty earlier
- Mumbai to Pune (94 km): You pay around one forty one rupees instead of two seventy
- Bengaluru to Mysuru (118 km): You might pay more than before if you use the full stretch
Benefits for Commuters
- Save Money: You only pay for the distance you travel
- No Stopping: No more lines or slowing down at toll booths
- More Transparency: Charges are based on actual data
- Faster Travel: Less congestion means quicker trips
- Fair for All: Even those using highways for short distances get charged fairly
Timeline for Rollout
The government will roll out GNSS in three phases:
- Phase One (May 2025): For commercial vehicles on major expressways like Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Mysuru
- Phase Two (June to August 2025): Voluntary for private vehicles in metro cities
- Phase Three (By April 2026): All vehicles across India must switch to GNSS
Getting the OBU Installed
OBUs will be available through authorized vendors or service centers. The process is simple:
- Visit an installation center
- Provide your vehicle registration documents
- Pay a one-time setup fee (likely between one thousand to fifteen hundred rupees)
- Link your account, and you’re good to go
Challenges and Concerns
Of course, like any new tech, GNSS brings a few challenges:
- Setup Costs: The device isn’t free, and installation costs may bother some users
- Privacy Worries: Some are concerned about constant vehicle tracking
- Signal Issues: In remote areas, satellite connectivity might be weak
- Awareness: Not everyone may understand the new system right away
The government is planning awareness drives, subsidized devices for some users, and improved infrastructure to ease the transition.
GNSS tolling is a step into the future for India’s highways. While FASTag made travel easier, GNSS is set to make it smarter. With benefits like accurate billing, seamless journeys, and less congestion, it’s a welcome change. Yes, the shift will take some getting used to, but in the long run, GNSS promises to be a win-win for both the government and road users. So, if you’re hitting the road this summer, keep an eye out for updates, get your OBU installed when the time comes, and enjoy a smoother journey.
