FASTags to Stay as Satellite Tolling System Delayed: MoRTH

Quick Summary:

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India has clarified that the government will not implement a satellite-based tolling system starting May 1, as previously speculated.
• FASTag-based toll collection will continue to operate throughout the country. FASTags allow vehicles to pass through toll plazas using a radio frequency identification system and deduct charges digitally, eliminating physical cash transactions.
• Authorities did not provide any additional clarification for shelving the potential satellite-based tolling initiative at this time.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The decision to retain FASTag rather then moving forward with a satellite-based tolling system suggests measured caution by MoRTH regarding technological shifts affecting millions of vehicles and infrastructure logistics in India. while such technology might streamline systems further, challenges related to cost feasibility, integration, and public acceptance could have factored into this decision. Continuing with FASTags ensures stability while maintaining an already widely adopted mechanism that contributes significantly toward reducing congestion at toll plazas nationwide.

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