Gadkari’s tolling plan could unlock Rs 25,000 cr

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government's plan to make toll plazas barrier-free on national highways by March 2027 could generate revenues of Rs 20,000-25,000 crore annually for the government. FASTag adoption has already increased toll collections by around 10%, equivalent to approximately Rs 7,000 crore, bringing total toll revenue to Rs 82,000 crore.

The barrier-free tolling system will combine FASTag with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, enabling seamless electronic toll collection as vehicles pass through tolling zones. Gadkari emphasized that the transition to barrier-free tolling will reduce waiting times, fuel consumption, and revenue leakage. The minister also introduced OneTag, a FASTag portability facility, to enhance interoperability and innovation in digital highway infrastructure.