India’s Dwarka Expressway to Introduce Innovative “Free Flow Tolling” System
The Dwarka Expressway, an important highway in India, is about to undergo a major transformation. It is set to become the country’s first highway to introduce a “Free Flow Tolling” system, completely eliminating the need for physical toll plazas or barriers. This revolutionary system will not only simplify toll collection but also help reduce traffic congestion.
Advanced Technology and Convenience
The upcoming “Free Flow Tolling” system will utilize advanced FASTag readers and high-powered cameras mounted on overhead gantries. These will automatically deduct tolls from vehicles traveling at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. This technology will enhance compliance tracking and pave the way for future satellite-based tolling.
Multi-lane free-flow tolling systems have already been successfully implemented in various countries worldwide. By introducing this system on the Dwarka Expressway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to streamline toll collection and improve overall traffic flow.
Compared to the current system utilized on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, which still incorporates physical toll plazas, the Dwarka Expressway will eliminate the need for such structures. This means that drivers can seamlessly pass through without any disruptions or slow-downs caused by stopping to pay toll fees. The NHAI is also considering installing gantries at the Delhi-Gurgaon border to collect unpaid tolls effectively.
Efficient Toll Management
The proposed gantry-based tolling approach, also known as satellite or GNSS-based tolling, will introduce virtual toll booths for monitoring vehicles and automatically deducting tolls from user accounts. In order to facilitate easy recovery of unpaid tolls, the NHAI has requested updates to the Vahan system, India’s vehicle registration database.
As part of the proposal, outstanding toll amounts will be displayed on the Vahan portal along with vehicle images to serve as evidence. To avoid any inconvenience, vehicle owners will be required to settle their toll dues before being allowed to transfer their vehicle registration or obtain essential certificates such as the No Objection Certificate (NOC) or fitness certificate. This measure will ensure that toll payments remain a priority for all vehicle owners.
In cases where drivers believe that the toll charges are incorrect or undeserved, they will have the option to contest the charges within seven days of receiving the notice. This flexibility demonstrates the NHAI’s commitment to addressing any potential issues or disputes that may arise.
A Path to the Future
While the toll rate for the Dwarka Expressway has yet to be finalized, the introduction of the “Free Flow Tolling” system represents a significant step forward in highway management in India. This innovative approach is expected to not only improve traffic efficiency but also enhance the overall driving experience for the thousands of commuters who rely on the Dwarka Expressway daily.
By embracing advanced technology and implementing streamlined toll collection methods, India is setting an excellent example for other countries in the pursuit of smarter and more efficient transportation networks.
The “Free Flow Tolling” system on the Dwarka Expressway will surely be a milestone in the country’s infrastructure development, revolutionizing the way tolls are collected and making travel even smoother for its citizens.
