Barrier-less tolling systems: govt. to revisit bank-centric bidding model, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• Government is re-evaluating the bank-centric bidding model for the new barrier-less tolling system.
• Eight projects have been awarded out of a target of 25 for FY2025.
• The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system aims to reduce congestion on national highways.
• A draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 defines “unpaid user fee” to deter violators.

Detailed Insights:

• The current model prioritizes banks as primary bidders and system integrators, but it is not scalable beyond the initial 25 MLFF systems.
• MLFF system will use FASTags, Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), high-performance RFID Readers, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras for toll payments.
• The proposed amendment allows for withholding services like registration renewal and insurance issuance for vehicles with unpaid toll fees.
• The Ministry has approached NITI Aayog to examine the principles of tolling due to increasing toll fees on highways.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF): A barrier-less tolling system that enables toll payments without stopping vehicles.
• FASTag: An electronic toll collection system using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): A technology that automatically reads the vehicle registration number.