FACT CHECK: Indian highways to get satellite-based tolling from May? This is what MoRTH says

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) this week issued a clarification that there was no decision taken on the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from May 1, 2025.

The clarification came after multiple reports in the media claiming that a satellite-based tolling system is set to replace the current FASTag toll collection system from May 1.

CLAIM: A new satellite-based tolling system will be launched nationwide on May 1, 2025, to replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system.

REALITY: This claim is FALSE. According to the official clarification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, no such decision has been taken.

However, the ministry did state the introduction of a faster FASTag-based toll system to be implemented at selected toll plazas. This Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is expected to enable smoother "barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time", according to the ministry.

The new toll system will use high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers. Soon, vehicles won't need to stop at toll plazas. Violators will get e-notices and other VAHAN-related penalties, according to the ministry.

The high-def ANPR camera captures a vehicle's registration number is read and instantly checked against database records. In this case, it reads it against the FASTag database, almost instantly.

ANPR technology is also widely used across the world by authorities (like the UK Police) to track travelling criminals escaping via the road network. 

India